Makemba (Congolese Fried Ripe Plantains)
In short: Thick slices of very ripe plantain fried until deep gold and caramelized at the edges, then lightly salted. A Congolese side dish and street snack. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 300 kcal
Makemba is the sweet counterpoint on many Congolese plates. Very ripe plantains are sliced thick and fried in hot oil until their sugars caramelize into dark, crisp edges and a soft, custardy center. They sit beside grilled fish, madesu or moambé, and they are also sold hot from roadside pans in paper cones, usually with a pinch of salt and a little pili-pili for those who like it.
Instructions
- Cut the ends off the plantains, slit the skins lengthwise and peel. Slice them on a steep diagonal into pieces about 1.5 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Heat the oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat until a slice sizzles gently when added, about 170°C (340°F).
- Fry the slices in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown with dark edges. Work in two batches so the pan does not crowd.
- Lift the plantains out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- Serve right away as a side with grilled fish, beans or stew, or as a snack with chili on the side.
Tips
- Use plantains whose skins are black or nearly so. Yellow plantains give a starchy, less sweet result and will not caramelize as well.
- To bake instead of fry, toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of oil and roast at 220°C (425°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
What do you eat with makemba?
In Congo they accompany grilled fish, kamundele skewers, madesu beans and moambé. Their sweetness balances salty, spicy or oily dishes.
How ripe should the plantains be?
Very ripe: mostly black skins and a soft feel, like an overripe banana. The darker the skin, the sweeter and more caramelized the slices.
Can I make them ahead?
They are best fresh and crisp. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge and crisp up again in a hot oven or air fryer for 5 minutes.
How long does it take to make Makemba (Congolese Fried Ripe Plantains)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Makemba (Congolese Fried Ripe Plantains)?
About 300 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 50 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 300 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
