Embark on a flavorful journey to Côte d'Ivoire with this delightful recipe for Aloko, a beloved Ivorian street food delicacy. Aloko, also known as fried plantains, holds a special place in Ivorian cuisine, cherished for its simplicity, yet rich and tantalizing taste. Whether enjoyed as a snack on bustling streets or served alongside sumptuous main dishes, Aloko represents the vibrant culinary heritage of Côte d'Ivoire.

In this recipe, we'll explore the traditional method of preparing Aloko, infusing it with authentic Ivorian flavors and techniques. From selecting the perfect plantains to achieving the ideal crispiness, each step is crafted to ensure an unforgettable culinary experience that transports you to the bustling markets and lively streets of Côte d'Ivoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the taste of Ivorian Aloko in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or to taste), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sweet potato slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the fried sweet potatoes and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with salt while still hot.

2- Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4- Serve: Arrange the fried sweet potatoes on a serving platter and drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over them. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy the savory and spicy flavors of Ivorian Aloko with friends and family!

Note: Adjust the spiciness of the tomato sauce according to your preference by adding more or fewer scotch bonnet peppers. Be cautious when handling hot peppers and wash your hands thoroughly after chopping to avoid irritation.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Ivorian Aloko recipe:

Sweet Potatoes (per 100g):

• Calories: 86 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20.1g
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 14187 IU (284% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2.4mg (4% DV)
• Potassium: 337mg (10% DV)

benefits:

• Excellent source of Vitamin A, essential for eye health and immune function.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
• Contains potassium, supporting heart health and regulating blood pressure.

Vegetable Oil (per tablespoon - 14g):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8.9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.6g
• No significant source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, necessary for energy production and nutrient absorption.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Supports brain health and hormone regulation.

Salt:

• Sodium content varies depending on the amount added. There are no calories, carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, or minerals in salt.

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.
• Adds flavor to dishes and enhances food preservation.
• Consumed in moderation, salt is a necessary component of a balanced diet.

Tomatoes (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Vitamin A: 1025 IU (21% DV)
• Vitamin C: 13.7mg (23% DV)
• Potassium: 237mg (7% DV)

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.
• Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• Contains potassium, aiding in blood pressure regulation and muscle function.

Onion (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Vitamin C: 7.4mg (12% DV)
• Potassium: 146mg (4% DV)

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress.
• High in vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen synthesis.
• Provides prebiotic fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria and promote digestive health.

Garlic (per 100g):

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33.1g
• Protein: 6.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Vitamin C: 31.2mg (52% DV)
• Potassium: 401mg (11% DV)

benefits:

• Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, supporting immune function.
• Contains allicin, a compound with potential cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• May help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8.1g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Vitamin A: 6650 IU (133% DV)
• Vitamin C: 143.7mg (240% DV)
• Potassium: 275mg (8% DV)

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.
• Contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
• May boost metabolism and aid in weight management.

Tomato Paste (per tablespoon - 16g):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.8g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Vitamin A: 1091 IU (22% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2.4mg (4% DV)
• Potassium: 150mg (4% DV)

benefits:

• Concentrated source of lycopene, providing potent antioxidant benefits.
• Contains vitamins A and C, supporting skin health and immune function.
• Adds depth of flavor and richness to dishes while providing essential nutrients.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.