Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian street food and snack that will ignite your taste buds with its spicy and flavorful profile. This dish features ripe plantains seasoned with a blend of ginger, chili, and other spices. It’s a beloved Ghanaian delight, known for its mouthwatering heat and aromatic spices. Kelewele is the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, offering a unique culinary experience that’s simple to prepare.
| Country | Ghana |
| Degree of Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Type of Food | Snack |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Serving Size | 2-4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 hot chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Steps or Directions:
- Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into bite-sized chunks or diagonal slices.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, cayenne pepper (if using), paprika, and salt.
- Add the plantain pieces to the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You can test if the oil is ready by adding a tiny piece of plantain; it should sizzle.
- Carefully place the marinated plantain chunks in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the kelewele from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve your homemade kelewele hot and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving – 4 servings)
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- You can adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the level of spiciness.
- Some variations include adding ground spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Tips or Variations:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
- If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Kelewele is a unique Ghanaian dish, and you’ll find it mainly in Ghana.
Allergen Checklist:
- Kelewele is typically suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Please note that it contains garlic and chili peppers.
