Bole is a snack that is enjoyed all over Nigeria. You cannot walk through an area without seeing shades of women who sell the snack, but Port Harcourt Bole is one of the best Bole ever because of how it is served.
This snack is delicious and satisfying, especially when taken during the afternoon or evening with some chilled fruit drink or smoothie, even chilled water goes well with it.
This particular recipe originated in Port Harcourt, one of the southern regions of Nigeria. Port Harcourt is known for many cuisines, which include Onunu, bole, fish, and some delicious rice recipes.
Port Harcourt natives are people of good tradition and delicious delicacies. Although they are not the only ones who enjoy this snack, like I said earlier, it is also enjoyed in the western region of Nigeria where it is called BOLI, it is eaten together with the groundnut popularly called boti ati epa.
Now let’s dive into making this delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 6 plantains (can be ripped or semi-ripped but not overripe)
- 6 scotch bonnets pepper
- 5 big tomatoes
- 1 big onion
- a cube of seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 3 fried or grilled fish
- ⅓ cup of palm oil.
Sought your spices (step one)
To make the sauce for this snack, you need tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper (ata rodo), onion, seasoning, and salt. According to the measurement at the ingredients bar, bring everything that is required out, rinse it, and rough blend it all. Cut the onion into two, use one for blending, and slice the other for making the sauce. Set them aside.
Grill it well (step two)
Having sought your spices, bring out your plantains and rinse them. Peel them and grill them or roast them in an oven. Either of the two, make sure they are golden brown and not burned.
Preheat the oven if you are using one, and set the timer to 10 to 15 minutes. Your bole is ready.
The whole delicacy (Step 3)
While you are grilling or roasting your plantains, put your palm oil in the pan and go in with the onions first on medium heat. After frying for about 2 minutes, go in with the pepper mixture and mix everything. Add your salt and seasoning, mix it again, and cover to cook and fry for about 7 to 10 minutes on medium heat.
Once the oil has topped up your sauce, it’s done. Take out your plantain from the heat, serve it on a plate, add your fried fish beside it, and fetch your delicious sauce to finish the game. Yes, your Port Harcourt bole is ready for you to enjoy.
How to serve
You can enjoy it with a smoothie, yoghurt, juice, and even some chilled water. Make sure you share with your loved ones.
Which fish is used for Bole?
Mackerel fish is usually used for bole because it is easy to find and not costly, but you can use any other fish of your choice, tilapia fish is one of the best fish to eat with bole.
What is the origin of bole?
Bole originated in Port Harcourt, a southern region of Nigeria, it is also widely taken in the western area of the country and is also called boli. It is taken with sauce in the south, while it is taken with groundnut in the west.
Do you add salt when boiling plantains?
You add a little salt while boiling plantains, but this is optional and not compulsory. If you don’t take salt or want to add salt to it, you will get a sweet and soft-boiled plantain.
Conclusion
There are different types of cuisines in the world. Each culture has its traditions and foods they enjoy eating. This recipe is one of the ways Port Harcourt people relish themselves, especially during the afternoon or evening in their gatherings, workplace, or at home. Be sure to try out this recipe and share lovely pictures with us. Remember to like, share and comment.
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