Potato & Plantain Pies

When I hear potato and plantain pie, I automatically think of a buttery, creamy, cheesy, mashed mixture of potatoes and plantains coming out piping hot from the oven. But what I made, is totally not that.
My original plan was to make the local cuisine called 'aloo pie', made with just seasoned potato as the main ingredient. But I had a couple of ripe plantains that I figured I could throw into the mix and try something new.
This dish, best served hot, was indeed the perfect combination of sweet and savoury and an altogether good eat.

RECIPE

FOR THE DOUGH

4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups water
4 tsps baking powder
2 tsps yeast
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add water and begin to mix. Now it may be a little sticky, so you can sprinkle some extra flour as you mix. When it comes together, begin to knead the dough for about 3 minutes or until it begins to look smooth. Cover with a hand towel and set aside until it has doubled in size.

FOR THE POTATO & PLANTAIN FILLING

4 large potatoes (peeled & cut up)
3 plantains (not peeled, cut in half)
1 large onion (diced)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 hot pepper (diced)
6 leaves shadon beni (cut finely)
2 tsps ground geera
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Place potatoes in a pot of salted( add 1 tbsp salt to water) boiling water and let boil until fork tender.
Place plantains in a pot of boiling water and let boil until you see the skin cracked or until fork tender.
Strain potatoes and put into a large bowl.
Strain plantains, remove skin and place into bowl as well.
Start mashing the plantains and potatoes, add all other ingredients and continue to mash until mixture is smooth.

HOW TO MAKE THE PIE

Taking your dough, you're going to separate it into about 15 smaller balls. Roll them, and set them aside.
When that's done, place one of the dough balls on a lightly floured surface and roll out with a rolling pin. Roll to your desired size but make sure not to let the dough become to thin.
Place some of the potato and plantain mixture in the center of dough and spread it across. Fold over the top so that it covers the filling and press the edges together using a fork.
Heat a pan on medium heat, add enough oil and when it's hot, place pie into the pan. Turn so that it will cook evenly. When both sides are golden brown in colour, remove from pan, place on some paper towels and let drain.

Best served hot and with a pommecythere/ mango chutney or kuchela.


If you try this recipe let me know.
Feel free to leave a comment.

You can reach me at the sites below.
Instagram: @chelsea_dee101
Email: chelsid1001@gmail.com