Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains)

Name: Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 4 ripe plantains (skins should be mostly black), peeled, cubed; 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

A beloved Ghanaian street food of ripe plantains seasoned with ginger, cayenne, and spices, then fried until caramelized and crispy on the outside with a sweet, tender center.

30 minEasyServes 4285 cal/serving

West AfricanSideStovetopVeganGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

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Ingredients

4 ripe plantains (skins should be mostly black), peeled, cubed
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1

Peel 4 ripe plantains (skins should be mostly black) and cut into 1-inch cubes or diagonal slices.
2

In a bowl, toss the plantain pieces with 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves until evenly coated.
3

Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a piece of plantain dropped in sizzles immediately.
4

Fry plantains in a single layer without overcrowding, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
5

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot immediately.

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Questions

What is Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains)?

A beloved Ghanaian street food of ripe plantains seasoned with ginger, cayenne, and spices, then fried until caramelized and crispy on the outside with a sweet, tender center. This reference files it under West African side: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 30 minutes start to finish.

How do I know when Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until evenly coated. Step 4: cook until deep golden brown and caramelized on all sides.

Is Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) comes from 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

How many calories are in Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains)?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 285 calories, with 2 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 320 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains)?

Refrigerate what is left of Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

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