BoleTangale

BoleTangale is a street food originating from the city of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. It is a simple yet flavorful dish consisting of grilled plantain served with a spicy pepper sauce. The plantain is typically unripe, which gives it a firmer texture and a slightly starchy quality when cooked. It is grilled over an open flame, often charcoal, until it develops a smoky char and tenderizes.

The accompanying pepper sauce, referred to as "Bole sauce," is a crucial component and can vary in its preparation. Common ingredients include tomatoes, peppers (such as Scotch bonnet for heat), onions, palm oil, and various spices like ground crayfish and iru (fermented locust beans). The sauce is often a vibrant red or orange color and possesses a complex flavor profile combining sweetness from the tomatoes, heat from the peppers, and a savory depth from the other seasonings.

BoleTangale is a popular snack and meal enjoyed by many across Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region. It is often sold by street vendors who prepare it fresh for customers. Variations can include additions like roasted fish (often tilapia or mackerel), boiled or roasted yams, boiled eggs, or groundnuts. The combination of the smoky, sweet plantain and the spicy, savory sauce makes it a satisfying and sought-after street food experience.