Tatale (Plantain Pancakes)

Ingredients

• 3 medium Overripe Plantains
• 1/2 cup Rice Flour
• 1/4 medium Onion
• 1 teaspoon Ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1Peel the 3 medium overripe plantains and place them into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mash the plantains thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth, with no large lumps remaining.
2. 2Finely chop the 1/4 medium onion into pieces no larger than 1/8 inch (3 mm). Grate the 1 teaspoon ginger finely.
3. 3Add the 1/2 cup rice flour, the finely chopped 1/4 medium onion, the grated 1 teaspoon ginger, the 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the 1/4 teaspoon salt to the mashed plantains in the bowl. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until a uniform batter forms and no dry streaks of flour remain.
4. 4Place a 10-inch (25 cm) frying pan or skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the pan and allow it to heat for 2-3 minutes until it shimmers slightly and a small drop of batter sizzles immediately upon contact; the oil temperature should be approximately 325-350°F (160-175°C).
5. 5Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the plantain mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each. Gently flatten each dropped portion with the back of the spoon to form a pancake about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter and 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until the edges appear set and the underside is golden brown.
6. 6Carefully flip each pancake with a spatula and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side, until it is also golden brown and the pancakes feel firm to the touch in the center, indicating they are cooked through. The internal temperature of the pancakes should reach at least 200°F (93°C).
7. 7Remove the cooked tatale from the pan using a slotted spatula and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the tatale warm immediately as a snack.

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