Kelewele is one of Ghana's most beloved street foods, enjoyed as a snack or side dish. Made from spiced, fried plantains, this flavorful treat is often paired with groundnuts or served alongside dishes like waakye, jollof rice, and stew. Kelewele's unique taste comes from its combination of traditional spices, making it a favorite among Ghanaians and food lovers worldwide.

In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about kelewele, including the best recipe, why it's typically sold at night, and tips for making it at home.

Why Is Kelewele Sold at Night?

Kelewele is primarily sold at night because of Ghana's warm climate, particularly in Accra, where daytime temperatures average around 87°F (30°C). Preparing and frying plantains in the cooler evening hours makes the process more comfortable for vendors and buyers alike.

Kelewele Ingredients

To make kelewele, you’ll need the following ingredients:

6 ripe plantains

1/2 piece raw ginger

1/2 white onion

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp anise seed

1 tsp salt

Oil for frying

These ingredients combine to create the perfect kelewele spice mix, adding layers of flavor to the fried plantains.

Steps: How to Prepare Kelewele in Ghana

Follow these simple steps to prepare kelewele at home:

Prepare the Plantains:

Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain and peel off the skin.

Slice the plantains into small cubes, approximately 1 inch in size.

Make the Spice Mix:

In a large bowl, blend the ginger, garlic, and onion until smooth.

Add the cayenne pepper, nutmeg, anise seed, and salt to the mixture. Stir well to create your kelewele spice mix.

Marinate the Plantains:

Toss the plantain cubes in the spice mix, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Allow the plantains to marinate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Fry the Plantains:

Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the spiced plantains in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the plantains once they turn golden brown.

Drain Excess Oil:

Place the fried plantains on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serve hot with groundnuts or as a side dish to your favorite Ghanaian meal.

Sweet Adjeley Kelewele Recipe

If you’re looking for a video guide, Sweet Adjeley has an excellent tutorial on how to prepare kelewele. Watch it here: Sweet Adjeley Kelewele Recipe.

Kelewele in English

For those unfamiliar with the term, "kelewele" simply refers to spiced fried plantains in English. This dish embodies Ghanaian culinary creativity, showcasing how basic ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

Tips for Perfect Kelewele

Use Ripe Plantains: The plantains should be ripe but firm to achieve the best texture. Overripe plantains may become too soft and soggy when fried.

Experiment with Spices: You can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or trying additional spices like paprika or black pepper.

Serve Fresh: Kelewele tastes best when served fresh and hot.

FAQs

What Is Kelewele?

Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian snack made from spiced, fried plantains.

What Are the Main Kelewele Ingredients?

The key ingredients include ripe plantains, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, anise seed, salt, and oil for frying.

Can Kelewele Be Eaten Alone?

Yes, kelewele can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with dishes like rice, stew, or groundnuts.

How Is Kelewele Spice Mix Made?

The spice mix is a blend of ginger, garlic, onion, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, anise seed, and salt.

Conclusion

Kelewele is more than just a snack; it's a cultural experience that brings people together in Ghana and beyond. Whether enjoyed at a street vendor’s stall or prepared at home using this easy kelewele recipe, this dish is sure to impress.

Try making kelewele yourself and discover why it’s such a cherished part of Ghanaian cuisine.