Ladob (Seychellois Plantain and Sweet Potato in Coconut Milk)
In short: Ripe plantain and sweet potato simmered in sweet coconut milk with vanilla and nutmeg until soft, creamy and lightly syrupy. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 375 kcal
Ladob is a Seychellois classic that can be sweet or savory. The dessert version simmers ripe plantain and sweet potato in coconut milk with sugar, vanilla and nutmeg until the pieces are tender and the liquid turns silky. It is served warm or chilled after a meal, or as a snack. The savory version, made with salted fish, is also traditional, but this recipe is the sweet one.
Instructions
- Put the coconut milk, water, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and salt in a wide pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sweet potato and simmer, partly covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add the plantain and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes more, stirring gently, until both are tender and the liquid is creamy and lightly thickened.
- Remove the vanilla pod. Taste and add a little sugar if needed.
- Serve warm, or let it cool and chill for 2 hours to serve cold.
Tips
- The plantains should be very ripe, with plenty of black on the skin, or the dessert will taste starchy. Firm bananas can substitute in a pinch, but add them for the last 8 minutes.
- Simmer very gently. Rapid boiling breaks the plantain up and can split the coconut milk.
Questions and answers
Can I use cassava or breadfruit instead?
Yes. Cassava, breadfruit and soursop are used in traditional versions. Cassava takes about 20 minutes longer to soften.
What is savory ladob?
It is the same method made with salt instead of sugar and no vanilla, with salted fish added. It is usually served as part of a main meal.
Does ladob keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. It thickens as it chills, so loosen it with a splash of water or coconut milk.
How long does it take to make Ladob (Seychellois Plantain and Sweet Potato in Coconut Milk)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ladob (Seychellois Plantain and Sweet Potato in Coconut Milk)?
About 375 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
