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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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Fried Obuunu Plantains Recipe | Nigerian Street Food

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📁 African food 📁 African Food Culture 📁 African Ingredients 📁 African Recipes

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Fried Obuunu Plantains Recipe | Nigerian Street Food
🍴 Part of the African Cuisine Hub — celebrating authentic dishes and cooking traditions across the continent.
Explore more in the Plantain Recipe Collection and discover foods that inspire the African Bar Vibe Series.

Fried Obuunu Plantains Recipe

Fried Nigerian Obuunu plantains golden brown African street food snack

Fried Nigerian Obuunu plantains are a beloved African street food — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned with garlic, salt, and red pepper. Served as a savory appetizer, snack, or side dish, Obuunu plantains are enjoyed across Nigeria and West Africa, often alongside grilled meats or cold drinks in lively bars.

Prep time: 5 min   |   Cook time: 15 min   |   Total time: 20 min   |   Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe yellow plantains
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Oil for frying

Directions

  1. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large deep frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Peel and slice the plantains diagonally or into rounds.
  3. Fry for about 1½–2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
  5. Sprinkle with garlic, red pepper, and salt while hot, then serve immediately.

African Food Did You Know?

Plantains are a major staple in West and Central Africa. More than 100 varieties grow deep in the African rainforests. They are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C — a nutritious comfort food that fuels millions every day.

🔗 Related: Read how African bar vibe songs pair perfectly with classic street foods like Obuunu plantains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of plantains are best for frying?

Ripe yellow plantains with dark spots caramelize beautifully, giving a sweet and savory flavor when fried.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes. Brush lightly with oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

What is Obuunu in Nigerian cuisine?

Obuunu refers to fried, seasoned plantains sold as popular street snacks in Nigeria — often enjoyed with chilled drinks and lively music.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

Working Hands of Africa

The labor and love that feeds a continent

Hands holding African fruit

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Hands preparing fufu

How Fufu Explains Politics

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Slow Food Disappearance

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Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

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We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

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The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

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Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.