Kelewele is ripe plantain cut into chunks, coated in ginger-pepper spice, and fried until the edges caramelise. It’s one of the easiest Ghanaian snacks to master.
Ingredients
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ripe plantain | Yellow with black flecks — sweet, not mush-rotten |
| Ginger | Fresh grated/blended |
| Pepper | Fresh or powdered to taste |
| Cloves / anise / nutmeg (optional) | Classic aroma |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Oil | For deep or shallow frying |
Method
- Peel plantain; cut into bite-size cubes or chunks.
- Mix ginger, pepper, salt, and optional spices with a splash of water into a paste.
- Toss plantain until coated. Rest 5–10 minutes.
- Heat oil to frying temperature (not smoking).
- Fry in batches until golden-brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper/sieve. Serve hot.
Texture Tips
| Goal | Do this |
|---|---|
| Crisp edges | Hot oil + don’t overcrowd |
| Soft centre | Use properly ripe plantain |
| Not greasy | Drain well; avoid cool oil |
Serving Ideas
- Solo street-style snack
- Side with groundnut / beans
- Party platter with toothpicks
FAQ
Can I air-fry kelewele?
Yes — lightly oil and cook in batches; texture differs from deep-fried but still tasty.
Unripe plantain?
That’s closer to other fried plantain styles — kelewele relies on ripe sweetness.
How do I reduce oil?
Shallow fry or air-fry; blot excess.
Sen Gideons home recipe guide. Spice blends vary by seller and region.