Plantain Puff Puffs

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Plantain puff puffs combine two of San Francisco chef Simileoluwa Adebajo's favorite things: fried plantains and puff puffs (Nigeria's nutmeg-scented fried dough). For the best flavor, be sure to use overripe plantains, which will have completely black or mottled black skin.

plantain puff puffs
Photo: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
Active Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Servings:
12

Ingredients

  • 3 large overripe plantains, peeled

  • 6 tablespoons lukewarm water, divided

  • 1 cup whole-wheat or all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon, divided

  • 3 ½ teaspoons instant yeast

  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 cups avocado oil or canola oil

Directions

  1. Combine plantains and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor; puree until smooth.

  2. Combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, yeast and nutmeg in a large bowl and mix well. Add the pureed plantain and the remaining 4 tablespoons warm water; mix until smooth. Cover and set aside in a warm place until spongy, about 1 hour.

  3. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Heat oil in a large pot or flat-bottom wok over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Working in batches, scoop up about 1 tablespoon of the dough with your four fingers and use your thumb to drop it into the hot oil. (Alternatively, use a 1-tablespoon measure to scoop the batter.) Repeat until the pan is full. Cook the puff puffs, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F and flipping halfway, until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining batter. Sprinkle both sides of the puff puffs with the cinnamon sugar.

Equipment

Deep-fry or candy thermometer

Tip

Find plantains at large supermarkets or Latin markets. A ripe plantain has black-yellow skin; for this recipe they should be heavily mottled or mostly black. To peel, slice off both ends and cut into 3-inch lengths. Using the tip of a paring knife, cut 4 lengthwise slits along each piece. Soak in ice water for 3 to 5 minutes to loosen the skin. Remove from the water and peel.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

244 Calories
15g Fat
29g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 3 puff puffs
Calories 244
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 15g
Added Sugars 9g 18%
Protein 2g 4%
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Vitamin A 384IU 8%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Folate 12mcg 3%
Vitamin K 1mcg 1%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 28mg 7%
Potassium 228mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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