Dodo (Nigerian Fried Plantain)
Local name: Dòdò
In short: Ripe plantain slices fried until the edges caramelize and the centers turn soft and sweet, a Nigerian side for rice, beans and stew. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 255 kcal
Dodo is ripe plantain sliced and fried until the edges caramelize and the middles go soft and sweet. In Nigeria it appears at almost every meal: beside jollof rice, with beans, with eggs for breakfast, or on its own as a street snack sold hot from the pan. Choose plantains that are mostly black-skinned, since they hold the most natural sugar and brown beautifully with very little oil.
Instructions
- Trim both ends of each plantain, cut a shallow slit along the length of the skin and peel it off.
- Slice the plantains on a diagonal into pieces about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Toss lightly with the salt, if using, and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Pour the oil into a wide skillet to a depth of about 1 cm (1/2 inch) and heat over medium heat to about 170°C (340°F). A slice should sizzle gently when it goes in.
- Fry the slices in a single layer, without crowding, for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown with dark, caramelized edges.
- Lift the slices out and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Tips
- Ripeness matters. Green or yellow plantains make starchy chips, while those with black skin give the sweet, soft dodo.
- Keep the heat at medium. High heat blackens the sugars before the centers soften. For less oil, bake slices at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
What is dodo served with?
Nigerians pair it with jollof rice, beans, stew, fried eggs and ewa agoyin. It also works as a snack by itself.
How ripe should plantains be for dodo?
The skin should be yellow with many black patches, and the fruit should give slightly when pressed. Fully black plantains are fine too, as long as they are not mushy.
Can I air fry dodo?
Yes. Toss the slices in 1 tablespoon of oil and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. They will be a little drier than pan-fried dodo.
How long does it take to make Dodo (Nigerian Fried Plantain)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dodo (Nigerian Fried Plantain)?
About 255 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 49 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 255 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
