Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried fritters made from mashed ripe plantains and black-eyed peas served alongside a fiery, tangy dipping sauce. This african-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes blends large, peeled and mashed ripe plantains, mashed cooked black-eyed peas, small, finely chopped onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 large peeled and mashed ripe plantains with 1 cup mashed cooked black-eyed peas, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Mix well into a thick batter.
  2. Step 2: Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Serve the warm fritters with the spicy tomato dipping sauce for a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Cameroon Dipping Sauce?

African snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes