This Kelewele recipe will take you back to the streets of Ghana. Seasoned with a blend of ginger and spices, ripe plantains are then fried until browned on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
Whether you call it kelewele or aloco, this is one of those snacks that will almost have you licking your fingers. The mix of sweet and spicy is out of this world, so don't say I didn't warn you.
ingredients
- Ripe plantains - use plantains that are ripe, but still firm.
- Fresh habanero pepper, kpakpo shito, cayenne pepper, or your favorite chili peppers.
- Calabash nutmeg (ehuru) - this is available in most African stores. Feel free to leave it out if you do not have it.
- Onion.
- Ginger.
- Garlic cloves.
- Mixed spice.
- Salt to taste.
- Oil for frying.
how to make it
- Start by peeling the plantains.
- Cut them lengthwise, then slice into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
- Add the peppers, nutmeg, onion, ginger, garlic, and mixed spice to your blender. Blend into a smooth mixture.
- Pour this blend over the plantains and mix until every piece is coated.
- Heat your oil, fry the plantains in batches, and cook until golden and caramelized.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with roasted groundnuts.
useful tips
- Let the plantains sit in the seasoning for 5-10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate slightly. This improves the taste.
- Use moderately ripe plantains. Oversoft fully black plantains break down easily cooking and absorb extra oil which makes them soggy.
- Do not overcrowd your pan.
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📖 Recipe
Kelewele
These spicy fried plantains are coated in a blend of ginger, garlic, onions, and peppers, then fried until golden.
Equipment
Frying pan
Ingredients
- 4-6 ripe plantains
- Habanero peppers or kpakpo shito, or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 calabash nutmeg - ehuru optional
- ½ onion
- ½ thumb-size ginger about 1 tbsp, grated
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon mixed spice
- 1 cup cooking oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the plantains and cut them lengthwise, then slice into small cubes or bite-size pieces.
- Add the peppers, calabash nutmeg, onion, ginger, garlic, and mixed spice to a blender. Blend into a smooth mixture (see notes).
- Transfer the plantain pieces to a bowl and pour the blended mixture over them. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Using medium heat, fry the plantains in batches on both sides until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with roasted groundnuts.
Notes
- Feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of water to your blender, to aid with the blending.
Nutrition
Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 1014IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
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