African Dishes
How to Make Kelewele: A Delicious Ghanaian Snack
Kelewele is a popular snack in Ghana made from ripe plantains that are seasoned with a blend of spices and then deep-fried.

Introduction
Kelewele is a popular snack in Ghana that is prepared by frying ripe plantains that have been seasoned with a mixture of different spices before being served. This dish may be prepared quickly and is versatile enough to be eaten as a snack or included in a meal as a side dish.
In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of preparing Kelewele, which can be broken down into a few simple phases.
Ingredients
- Ripe Plantains
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt
- Vegetable Oil
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
Start by peeling the ripe plantains and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. The size of the pieces should be consistent to ensure that they cook evenly. Put the sliced plantains in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spices
Peel the ginger and garlic and then chop them into small pieces. Finely chop the onion and add it to the ginger and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix the cayenne pepper and salt.
Step 3: Marinate the Plantains
Add the ginger, garlic, and onion mixture to the bowl of sliced plantains. Use your hands to mix the plantains and spices until the plantains are well coated. Add the cayenne pepper and salt mixture and continue to mix until the plantains are evenly coated with the spices. Allow the plantains to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
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Step 4: Fry the Plantains
In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the plantains to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan as this will cause the plantains to stick together. Fry the plantains for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the plantains are fried, they are ready to serve. Kelewele can be enjoyed as a snack or served as a side dish. It is often served with roasted peanuts or with a spicy dipping sauce.
Tips
- Choose ripe plantains that are yellow with brown spots as they are sweeter and easier to work with.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the plantains to ensure that the pieces are consistent in size.
- If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can use chilli powder or red pepper flakes instead.
- Be careful when frying the plantains as hot oil can cause serious burns. Use a slotted spoon to remove the plantains from the oil and allow them to cool before eating.
- To make the dish healthier, you can bake the plantains in the oven instead of frying them. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F, place the plantains on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Conclusion
A scrumptious and simple-to-prepare snack, kelewele can be eaten on its own or as a side dish depending on your preference. You can whip up this well-liked Ghanaian cuisine in a flash if you just stick to these few, straightforward instructions. Enjoy!