How to Make Cape Verdean Goo Fongs

Cape Verde Islands are located off the West coast of Africa, there are many a second, third and forth generation American-Cape Verdeans living in the United States today. However, there is always a longing for those old fashioned recipes brought from the islands many a years ago. Goo Fongs is a treat that old timers, sometimes called greenhorns, enjoyed while sitting at the table talking and laughing. If you have searched for this recipe look no further, here is an old fashioned Cape Verdean Goo Fong recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups mashed bananas (or yellow squash)

I have cut down the ingredients to make about a dozen to a dozen and a half. And I find that using a frying pan works well, but you can use a deep fryer, or large pot like the old timers did if you like.

Preparing Goo Fong Batter
In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, then add the mashed bananas. Meanwhile, cook the cornmeal in the water, let it cook until it becomes semi-thick. Add the cornmeal to your mixture and mix well, the batter should be moist, but not too thick.

Tip: I test it my batter by taking a spoonful, tilting the spoon - if it runs fast add some flour, if it don't move add a little water, but if moves very slowly it should be okay.

Get Ready to Cook
Using a cast iron skillet is best, add oil, and heat to the same temperature as you would for french fries or fried chicken. But, only use enough oil, about 1/4 the height of the pan. You only need enough oil for the Goo Fong to fry one side at a time and the oil will rise as you add the batter/dough.

While your oil is heating up spread some flour out, I use a cookie sheet and by spoonfulls start dropping the batter onto the flour.

Gently roll the dough just to enough to coat the outside, using a slotted spatular or spoon push the dough onto the spatular or spoon with your fingers. Then hold over your oil and let it drop into hot oil. Be very careful whenever you are frying with hot oil!

When the underside is golden turn and fry the other side. Deep frying, remove when golden brown.

When the Goo Fongs are done remove from oil with a clean slotted spatular, and place in a large bowl covered with paper towel.

You don't have to wait till they are completely cool to enjoy them, the smell will make you want to dig in, but wait a few minutes and once your Goo Fongs are cool enough to eat without burning your mouth enjoy. I like to sprinkle a dash of salt on mine.

Goo Fongs are great cold too, refrigerate any left-overs, and eat them the next morning!

Maybe it's in my blood, I love Goo Fongs! As a kid I just ate em' warm or cold, and now I find eating Goo Fongs with a hot cup of coffee or tea brings back memories.

If you manage to have some left over, and want to heat them I would suggest a toaster oven or conventional oven, microwaving is fast, but I do not like bread, pizza, etc., heated in a micro, it turns rubbery and hard too fast.

However, if you must use a micro, try wrapping your Goo Fongs in a paper towel to retain moisture, but only heat for about 20 - 25 seconds.