Roasted Gonja

🍌 Four whole roasted ripe plantains, without added oil or sugar.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm plantains, about 800 g peeled flesh
• 1 g fine salt, optional

Preparation

Heat oven to 200°C conventional or 180°C fan. Prepare a suitable baking mat or clean rack over a tray and broad tongs.

Wash skins, trim ends, slit skin shallowly and peel. Remove damaged spots; keep fruit whole.

Space fruit on the support; add neither sugar nor oil. Optional salt is for serving.

Roast about 30–35 minutes at middle height, turning carefully after 15–20 minutes. Check smaller fruits sooner.

Test the thick centre with a clean knife: it must enter easily. If firm, cook 5 minutes more and recheck.

Remove when tender and golden. If needed, grill fruit alone for 1–2 minutes under constant supervision, avoiding heavy charring.

Rest 2–3 minutes and serve one per person, whole or in large pieces. Add only a little optional salt.

Serve promptly. Refrigerate leftovers quickly in a closed container and use next day after reheating; timing depends on size and ripeness.