Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian delicacy made of fried plantain seasoned with spices. In the Ghanian capital of Accra, you'll usually see kelewele sold by street vendors in the evening.
What is plantain?
Plantain is the vegetable cousin of the banana family and can be enjoyed as savoury or sweet dishes. Kelewele is ripe yellow plantain that’s diced, spiced and fried, or my preference, oven-baked.
How is kelewele usually served?
Traditionally it is served as a snack or with bean dishes (even tinned baked beans). It’s also a delicious side to curries.
What other spices can you add to kelewele?
Why not try seasoning combinations like coriander and cumin, cinnamon and nutmeg (particularly delicious with ice cream) or Zha’tar!
- Yields:
- 3 - 4
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 2
ripe plantains
- 1 tbsp.
grated ginger
Cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp.
onion granules
Salt
Rapeseed oil
To serve
Chopped fresh herbs
Sesame seeds
Chopped peanuts
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan). Cut off the ends of the plantain, peel, and discard the skin and end bits Slice lengthways, then dice or slice diagonally and place in a large bowl.
- Step 2Add the ginger, cayenne pepper, onion granules, salt, and a drizzle of rapeseed oil. Mix to completely coat the plantain
- Step 3Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and spread the plantain over evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and caramelised. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts.
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