Mututu — Deep-Fried Plantain and Bean Fritters

Shopping list

• 2 piece ripe plantains — peeled

  Sub
• 200 g cooked black-eyed beans — drained

  Sub
• 1 piece onion — finely chopped

  Sub
• 1 piece fresh red chilli — deseeded and finely chopped

  Sub
• 2 clove garlic cloves — minced

  Sub
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger

  Sub
• 1 tsp salt

  Sub
• 3 tbsp plain flour

  Sub
• 500 ml vegetable oil — for deep-frying

  Sub

Step by step

1. 1

   In a large bowl, mash the peeled plantains with a fork until fairly smooth but with some texture remaining.

2. 2

   Roughly mash the black-eyed beans and add them to the plantain along with the chopped onion, chilli, garlic, ginger and salt. Mix well.

3. 3

   Stir in the flour until the mixture holds together and is thick enough to shape—it should be sticky but cohesive.

4. 4

   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pan to 170°C (use a thermometer or test with a small piece of mixture—it should sizzle immediately but not brown instantly).

5. 5

   Using two spoons or wet hands, shape the mixture into small oval fritters, about the size of a walnut.

6. 6

   Carefully lower 4–5 fritters into the hot oil. Fry for 3– 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and crisp all over.

7. 7

   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining mixture, ensuring the oil temperature stays steady.

8. 8

   Serve the fritters hot or warm, as a snack or alongside rice and a tangy tomato sauce.