🇨🇩 Congolese (DRC) Cuisine

Makemba

Fried Plantain

Prep Time 10 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 308 kcal

Ripe plantains sliced and fried to golden perfection in palm oil, yielding caramelized edges and a sweet, creamy interior that complements savory dishes.

Ingredients

4 ripe plantains (yellow-black skin)
1/4 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1 Peel ripe plantains and slice diagonally into 1cm-thick pieces.
2 Heat palm oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3 Fry plantain slices in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
4 Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5 Sprinkle with salt and serve hot alongside stews, grilled meats, or rice.

Did You Know?

In Kinshasa, makemba is so popular that street vendors sell them by the roadside all day long, and the sizzle of plantains in oil is one of the city's signature sounds.