Pile

Pilé (pee-LEH)

Pounded Plantain

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 261 kcal

Green plantains boiled and pounded into a smooth, elastic dough with a subtle sweetness, the traditional swallow of Cameroon's forest regions.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 3.0g

Carbs 60.0g

Fat 1.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot mortar and pestle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: plate

Accompaniments: ndole, okok, egusi soup

Instructions

1
Peel green plantains and cut into chunks.
2
Boil in salted water until very soft, about 20 minutes.
3
Drain and transfer to a mortar.
4
Pound vigorously with a pestle until smooth, elastic, and lump-free.
5
Wet hands and shape into smooth mounds.
6
Serve immediately with soup or stew.

💡

Did You Know?

The rhythmic sound of pounding pilé in a mortar is one of the characteristic sounds of village life in Cameroon's forest regions.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
mortar and pestle

Accompaniments

ndole, okok, egusi soup

The Story Behind Pile

Pilé is one of the oldest preparations in Cameroon's forest belt, predating the introduction of many other starches. It remains the preferred accompaniment to traditional soups like ndole and okok in southern and central Cameroon.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed accompaniment to soups 📜 Origins: Ancient forest region tradition

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