Eto is a traditional Ghanaian dish, Eto starts with ripe plantains. You them, chop them up and boil them until they’re soft and mashable. It’s like plantain magic happening right there. Then, you mash those plantains to creamy perfection. Think of it as the plantain equivalent of mashed potatoes, but way more exciting. We have created a detailed easy method step below to create the Eto you would like to cook.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons of palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1-2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Plantains:
- Start by peeling the ripe plantains. You can do this by slicing off the ends of each plantain and making a shallow cut along the length of the skin. Then, use your fingers to peel away the skin.
Boil the Plantains
- Cut the peeled plantains into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking process.
- Place the plantain pieces in a large pot, cover them with water, and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the plantains until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the Plantains:
- Drain the cooked plantains and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the plantains until they are smooth and free of lumps.
Saute the Onions and Garlic:
- In a separate pan, heat the palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic (if using) to the hot oil.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, but be careful not to brown them.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the sautéed onions and garlic (along with the oil) into the mashed plantains.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chopped hard-boiled eggs at this point if desired.
Mix and Serve:
- Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the sautéed onions and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the mashed plantains.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve Warm:
- Eto is typically served warm. You can shape it into individual portions or serve it family-style in a bowl.
Eto is often enjoyed with a side of fried fish, grilled chicken, or a spicy pepper sauce to add extra flavour and dimension to the dish. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy your homemade Eto!