Salads
Plantain and Groundnut Salad
Ingredients
- - Ripe plantains, boiled and sliced -- 3 medium (3 medium)
- - Roasted groundnuts (peanuts), crushed -- 100 g (3/4 cup)
- - Tomato, diced -- 1 medium (1 medium)
- - Onion, finely chopped -- 1/4 (1/4)
- - Lime juice -- 2 tbsp (2 tbsp)
- - Vegetable oil -- 1 tbsp (1 tbsp)
- - Chili powder -- 1/4 tsp (1/4 tsp)
- - Salt -- to taste (to taste)
Method
- Boil unpeeled ripe plantains for 15–20 minutes until just tender; cool, peel and slice.
- Crush roasted groundnuts coarsely using a mortar and pestle or food processor.
- Whisk lime juice, oil, chili powder and salt together to make the dressing.
- Combine plantain slices, tomato and onion in a bowl.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently, then top generously with crushed groundnuts before serving.
Introduction: This hearty salad combines boiled ripe plantain with a crushed roasted groundnut (peanut) dressing, reflecting Cameroon's deep reliance on both plantains and groundnuts as everyday staples.
Cultural Background: This hearty salad combines boiled ripe plantain with a crushed roasted groundnut (peanut) dressing, reflecting Cameroon's deep reliance on both plantains and groundnuts as everyday staples. It appears at family lunches as a filling, slightly sweet-savoury counterpart to grilled meats or fish.
Tips: Use plantains that are ripe but still firm so slices hold together. Toast raw peanuts yourself in a dry pan for the freshest flavour if roasted ones aren't available.
Variations: Add flaked grilled fish for a main-course version. Substitute lime with a mild vinegar for a sharper dressing. Naturally vegetarian and vegan as written.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 1 day; groundnuts are best added fresh before serving.
Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; not intended to be reheated.
Nutrition: Calories: 260 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Carbs: 38 g | Fat: 11 g | Fiber: 4 g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use unripe plantain?
A: Ripe plantain gives the traditional sweet contrast to the savoury dressing; unripe plantain will taste starchy and less balanced.
Q: What nuts work if groundnuts aren’t available?
A: Roasted peanuts are the direct equivalent and widely available outside Cameroon.