Crispy Beninese Aloco - Gluten-Free & Vegan Recipe

Ever craved a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and also happens to be a gluten free dairy free vegan recipe? Look no further than Aloco! Hailing from the vibrant culinary traditions of Benin and other West African nations, Aloco (pronounced "ah-loh-koh") transforms simple ripe plantains into golden, crispy delights. This isn't just a side dish; it's a celebration of africa and food, a testament to how humble ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Our authentic Beninese Aloco recipe is designed to be one of those easy healthy meals to prep that you'll want to make again and again. Forget complicated cooking — we're talking about a straightforward process that yields a healthy and nutritious recipe perfect for anyone looking for dairy free healthy recipes or even lose weight food recipes. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your journey into healthy eating for one recipes, this guide will walk you through creating perfectly crispy Aloco that’s naturally gluten free vegan easy recipes. Get ready to discover a new favorite that brings a touch of West African sunshine to your table, proving that nutritious dishes recipes can be utterly delicious!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots, not fully black)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero), deseeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup neutral oil for frying (such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)

Directions

1. Prep the Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains. You can do this by cutting off both ends, then scoring a shallow line lengthwise down the skin. Gently pry the skin off.
2. Slice 'em Up: Cut the peeled plantains into bite-sized pieces. You can do rounds, diagonals, or even small cubes – whatever you prefer! Aim for pieces about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick so they cook evenly.
3. Seasoning Time: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced plantains, thinly sliced red onion, minced Scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently with your hands or a spatula, ensuring the plantains are evenly coated with the spices and onion.
4. Heat the Oil: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil, ensuring there's enough to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers and a small piece of plantain sizzles immediately when dropped in.
5. Fry to Perfection: Carefully add the seasoned plantains to the hot oil in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make your plantains soggy instead of crispy. You'll likely need to fry them in batches.
6. Golden Brown Glory: Fry the plantains for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and caramelized. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
7. Drain & Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the Aloco from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Enjoy! Serve your authentic Beninese Aloco immediately as a snack, a hearty side, or even as a light meal. They're fantastic on their own or with a simple tomato sauce or hot pepper dip.