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Jollof Rice in Caramelised Plantain Cups

Jollof Rice served in Caramelised Plantain Cups is one of the most visually spectacular Nigerian fine dining creations — Jollof Rice served inside individual cups made from caramelised sliced plantain pressed into moulds and baked until golden. The plantain cup provides a sweet, slightly crispy frame for the smoky, bold Jollof Rice filling, creating a dish that is simultaneously familiar and completely innovative.

Jollof Rice in Caramelised Plantain Cups, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 3 big ripe plantains (yellow skin with some black spots), peeled and sliced paper-thin lengthwise
  • 2 cooking spoons of melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar for caramelisation FOR THE JOLLOF FILLING:
  • 2 big cups of freshly made Jollof Rice (Recipe #128) — must be freshly made and smoky
  • 1 big handful of peppered chicken, very finely shredded
  • 1 cooking spoon of butter for finishing FOR THE GARNISH:
  • Fresh micro herbs or baby lettuce
  • Fine strips of spring onion
  • A few small fried plantain chips

Method

  1. 01

    Making the Plantain Cups. Heat the oven to a very hot setting. Brush individual tart moulds (approximately the size of a tea cup) generously with melted butter. Arrange the paper-thin plantain slices in overlapping layers inside each mould, pressing them gently to conform to the shape and overhang the edges slightly. Brush the inside of the plantain layers with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the plantain is golden, caramelised and the cup holds its shape. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before carefully unmoulding onto a tray.

  2. 02

    Finishing the Jollof Filling. Warm the Jollof Rice very gently in a pan with 1 cooking spoon of butter, stirring until glossy and perfectly heated through. Fold in the finely shredded peppered chicken. Season to absolute perfection.

  3. 03

    Filling the Plantain Cups. Carefully place each golden plantain cup on a warm serving plate. Fill each cup generously with the warm Jollof Rice mixture, pressing gently to create a neat, domed presentation that rises slightly above the cup edge.

  4. 04

    Garnishing. Arrange micro herbs on top of the Jollof. Stand 2 to 3 tiny fried plantain chips upright in the Jollof for height. Add a few fine strips of spring onion draped artfully over the top.

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