Tatale (Ghana Plantain Pancakes) is the dish for those looking to explore simple yet bold flavors and comfort food from Africa. Tatale – a spiced, plantain pancake that hails from Ghana. Soft on the inside, and rich in both taste and flavor.
What Is Tatale?
Tatale is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from very ripe plantains, onions, and spices like ginger, pepper, and sometimes ground pepper. It’s often described as a cross between a pancake and a fritter, though it’s fully plant-based, gluten-free, and deeply flavorful. If you like plantains, then you will love this spicy plantain recipe: kelewele.
While typically served as a side dish alongside beans (especially in the classic combo Tatale and Aboboi, or stewed Bambara beans), Tatale can also be enjoyed on its own, as a snack or even breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Tatale
The beauty of Tatale is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Ghana pancakes:
- very ripe plantains (black and soft)
- Onion
- Grated fresh ginger
- Habanero pepper
- Salt
- Cornmeal or flour
- Palm oil or any vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Add-ins:
- Garlic (minced)
- Green onions or chopped herbs
- A pinch of nutmeg or allspice for warmth
- Bell pepper
How to Make Tatale (Step-by-Step)
1. Mash the Plantains
Peel and mash the ripe plantains in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but slightly chunky. This is usually done in a local earthenware known as asanka.
2. Mix in the Aromatics
Add the chopped/blended onions, ginger, habanero pepper, cloves, bell pepper, black pepper and salt. Stir to combine. If using flour or cornmeal, mix it in now – it helps bind the mixture. Add a little flour at a time if the batter is too thin, until the desired consistency is reached; otherwise, it will not hold its shape when cooked.
3. Rest the Batter
Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to thicken slightly.
4. Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop a spoonful of the batter and fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
5. Serve Warm
Traditionally served with aboboi (spicy beans), but you can also pair it with dips like avocado salsa, tomato sauce, or even hummus!
Why You’ll Love Tatale
- Naturally vegan & gluten-free
- Budget-friendly
- Sustainably reduces food waste
- Great for brunch, snacks, or sides
- Packed with flavor
Pro Tips
- The riper the plantain, the sweeter and better!
- Palm oil adds an authentic, earthy flavor and red color, but any neutral oil works.
- Add a spoonful of gari (fermented cassava) instead of cornmeal for a deeper West African twist.
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Happy Cooking!
Linda
Tatale (Ghana’s Plantain Pancakes)
Equipment
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
- 3 Very ripe plantains black and soft
- 1 Small onion finely chopped or blended
- ½ teaspoon grind cloves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Fresh grated ginger- 1 thump size
- 1 tsp chili powder or 1 fresh habanero pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ Bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 4- 8 tablespoons cornmeal or flour
- ⅓ cup palm oil or any vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mash the Plantains
- Peel and mash the ripe plantains in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but slightly chunky. This is usually done in a local earthenware known as asanka.
- Mix in the Aromatics
- Blended onions, ginger, habanero pepper, cloves, bell pepper, black pepper, and salt, and add it to the mashed plantain. Stir to combine. If using flour or cornmeal, mix it in now – it helps bind the mixture. Add a little flour at a time if the batter is too thin, until the desired consistency is reached; otherwise, it will not hold its shape when cooked.
- Rest the Batter
- Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to thicken slightly.
- Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop a spoonful of the batter and fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
- Serve Warm
- Traditionally served with aboboi (spicy beans), but you can also pair it with dips like avocado salsa, tomato sauce, or even hummus!
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