By Soyokuor Quarcoo- Tchire
Of all the food sold, roasted plantain with peanuts, which is affectionately referred to as “Kofi Brokeman”, is perhaps a favourite among majority of Ghanaians. This healthy street food was nicknamed “Kofi Brokeman” when it was first introduced because it was affordable and one got value for money. That is, no matter how “broke” one was, one could dip into his pocket and snack on at least a finger or two of this healthy and tasty meal. Even though prominent people with deep pockets highly patronize this meal, it is still fondly called Kofi Broke man.
Plantains are one of the primary staple foods of West and Central Africa. Unlike bananas, plantains are eaten as a vegetable cooked either by frying, boiling or grilling, prior to eating. Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. On almost every street corner in the capital city, Accra, one can find vendors of this healthy snack or meal for some, grilling the plantain on a wire mesh on top of an old wide pan with charcoal lit fire. This simple yet delicious and healthy food is a very simple recipe with just two ingredients-whole semi-ripe sweet plantain and groundnuts.
The semi-ripe plantain is cut in various sizes and placed on the mesh with a hot charcoal fire under. A tong or sometimes the fingers are used to turn the plantain on the fire at timed intervals to avoid burning. The plantain normally takes between 10 to 15 minutes to be ready.
When cooked, it is best served with groundnuts for that “from my mama’s kitchen” taste.
This tasty meal helps with weight loss because high-fiber foods tend to have a lower energy density, which means they provide fewer calories per gram of food.100grams of plantain provides roughly 8 % of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Fiber has no fat-burning properties. However, it helps with weight loss because high-fibre foods tend to have a lower energy density, which means they provide fewer calories per gram of food. So whether you want to have something to snack on or eat a full healthy meal, your sure bet is “Kofi Brokeman” – it’s one of Ghana’s pride.
Below is the video;
https://youtu.be/5IrCtWr2vdg