Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Dipping Sauce

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

Golden fried fritters made from mashed ripe plantains and black-eyed peas, served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce for a satisfying snack or appetizer. This african-inspired snacks ready in about 25 minutes blends cooked and mashed black-eyed peas, small, finely chopped onion, minced scotch bonnet pepper 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 280 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 medium peeled and mashed ripe plantains with 1 cup cooked and mashed black-eyed peas. Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tablespoon ground crayfish, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until a sticky batter forms.
  2. Step 2: Heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering at 350°F.
  3. Step 3: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: For the spicy dipping sauce, whisk together 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm plantain and black-eyed pea fritters with the tangy dipping sauce for a flavorful snack.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 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 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 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 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.

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