Alloco

Plantains, a type of cooking banana, are a cherished staple in numerous cultures worldwide. They are frequently boiled, fried, or prepared while still green due to their high starch content. In certain African regions, plantains are even used to produce flour or beer.

Fried plantains are particularly popular in West Africa, East Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. They go by different names depending on the region: in Côte d'Ivoire, they are known as alloco; in Nigeria, they are referred to as dodo; and in several Central American countries, they are called tostones.

Fried plantains can be enjoyed in various ways. They make an excellent snack, appetizer, or side dish and can be served salted or unsalted, cut into different shapes, or even fried whole. In some locales, people like to pair them with condiments such as sour cream, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

In West Africa, alloco is a popular snack made from fried plantains, often served with chili pepper and onions. In Ghana, there is a delectable dish called kelewele, which consists of fried plantains seasoned with spices like ginger and cayenne pepper. It is commonly sold by street vendors and can be enjoyed with bean stew or even as a dessert.