Aloco Paradis

A Taste of West African Tradition

Aloco Paradis is a delightful and popular dish originating from West Africa, particularly cherished in Côte d'Ivoire. It consists of fried ripe plantains and is often served as a side dish or a street food delicacy. The name 'Aloco' itself derives from the Baoule language, meaning 'fried plantains', and it has become an integral part of Ivorian culinary culture.

This dish is loved for its simplicity and richness, often enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Aloco Paradis can be served with a spicy tomato and onion sauce, enhancing its flavor profile and providing a satisfying culinary experience.

Ingredients

• Ripe Plantains - 4 large
• Vegetable Oil - for frying
• Salt - to taste
• Tomatoes - 2 medium, finely chopped
• Onions - 1 large, sliced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chili Peppers - 1 or 2, based on heat preference
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Palm Oil - optional, if preferred over vegetable oil

Preparation

The first step in preparing Aloco Paradis is to ensure you have ripe plantains. Look for plantains that are yellow with black spots on the peel, indicating they are sweet and ready for frying.

1. Peel the ripe plantains by scoring the skin lengthwise and removing the peel.
2. Slice each plantain diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. This thickness allows them to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
3. Sprinkle a little salt over the sliced plantains and set aside.
4. In a frying pan or a deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the plantain slices and heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Once fried, remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Making the Spicy Sauce

While the plantains are frying, you can prepare the accompanying spicy sauce which elevates this dish and adds a rich flavor.

1. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes and chili peppers, cooking until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving Aloco Paradis

Once both the plantains and sauce are ready, it's time to combine them into a delightful dish.

1. Arrange the fried plantain slices on a serving platter.
2. Pour the spicy tomato and onion sauce over the top or serve it on the side as a dip.

Enjoying Aloco Paradis

This dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing you to savor the contrasting textures of crispy plantains and the rich, flavorful sauce. Aloco Paradis is often paired with grilled or fried fish, chicken, or beef, making it a versatile companion for a variety of meals. Don't forget to set your cooking timer as you prepare this dish for the perfect balance of crispy plantains and a deeply satisfying sauce.

Gather your friends and family and indulge in a sensory, culinary journey with Aloco Paradis, a true taste of West African heritage.