How to make KeleWele (Kelewele recipe – Spicy fried plantain cubes)
Kelewele pronounced kele-wele is spicy plantain cubes seasoned with ginger, onions, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Spicy fried plantain cubes is a popular and favorite street food in Ghana made out of riped plantains, sold by vendors at night times.
Kelewele is sold at night times because it gets really hot in the day; the average temperature in Accra is about 87 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius.
Plantains are not bananas although they may look like them. Bananas are eaten raw 90 percent of the time. Plantains can also be eaten raw but that’s rare.
There was a popular joint in Accra called Labone Junction Kelewele, I have to admit that was the best I’ve had until I perfected the art.
My parents made sure we knew it was a treat anytime we were taken there. So we will not request to go there on consecutive days.
Serve this great dish with your favorite African cuisines like Waakye or Jollof.
Here’s a kelewele recipe you will enjoy (see a video of this recipe below)
Kelewele
Is cubed spicy fried plantains fried in hot oil
Ingredients
- 3 Ripe Plantains
- 1/2 Bulb Onion
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Ginger
- 5 Tsp Water
- Canola Oil for deep frying
Instructions
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Cut the plantains in two and then chop them up into cubes
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Add your dry ingredients together and then blend your water, onions, and ginger. After blending mix all the ingredients.
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Add the spices to the cubed plantains
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Deep fry your plantain mix in pre-heated oil between 15-20 minutes
This looks so tasty. The perfect snack when you’re craving fried food. And I absolutely love the name of the dish too, kelewele is so fun to say!
I agree that its the perfect snack when craving fried food. Thanks for stopping by.
This looks so delicious! We love snacking on plantain chips, so I have a feeling we will also love this. Thanks for the recipe!
I’m sure you’ll love it Taleen! Thanks for stopping by!
Growing up in Miami I’ve had my fair share of plantans, but not the spicy kind. I think it’s so clever to add in the cayenne and ginger! Can’t wait to try!
Yeah Lesli, Miami has a lot of restaurants that sell plantains. I’m addicted to ginger and hot peppers.
I really don’t make spicy food nearly as often as I should. I’m really intrigued by this recipe. It looks fantastic!
This is an easy one that I’m sure you’ll enjoy making.
These plantains do sound spicy, but in a delicious way. I love reading of other countries foods.
You can control the spices in this case. Thanks for stopping!
I love this recipe, it is so delicious and so easy to make. I will definitely making this for everyone. Thank you!
Let me know how it goes when you try it. Thanks Amy!
I’ve been eating plantains all of my life and have never had a spicy version until now. I feel like I’ve been missing out on so much! They were amazing!
Yes Marta you’ve missed out but you can make up for time lost… Lol
I love plantains, and this is another superb recipe to add to my box so thanks for this!
Thanks for stopping Kari!
Nothing beats fried bananas! This Kelewele recipe is delicious, even my kids enjoyed it!
They’re not Bananas Emily, they’re close relatives though. Thanks
timing is everything! I had plantains on hand that my neighbor gave me with no idea what to do with them. Your recipe was so easy and OMG delicious!!!
Oh wow Dennis! Did you take any pictures? I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for making it!
Plantains aren’t so widely available here in Italy, but I’d love to try this recipe. Sounds delicious. Def on my to make list next time I come across plantains!
I know they’re sold in Rome. But let me know when you finally try it. Thanks Jacqui!
Your Spicy fried plantain cubes sound delicious, our family love plantain. Looking forward to trying your recipe soon.
Oh wow, let me know how it goes. Thanks Sarah!
Fried plantains are one of my favorite foods! I love your version with a bit of kick. Can’t wait to make again.
Yes Julie the kick makes it taste better.
I’ve never heard of Kelewele, but it’s fun to say and this recipe looks really good! I love fried plantains and adding spices just makes it better. Thank you for sharing!
Adding the spices adds a kick to it which makes it much better.
What an interesting and creative way to cook plantains. Totally in love with recipe. Pinned to try this out soon
It’s really tasty Kushigalu. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks so tasty and addictive! I’d surely enjoy snacking on these spiced plantains anytime of the day!
It can be very addictive Gail.
My daughter-in-law, who is the reason my recipes are gluten-free, eats lots of plantains. She would love this recipe and I can’t wait to try it. I’d love to know about how much ginger you put in, thanks!
Beth, you just need a few slices of ginger. Thanks for stopping!
We have kele word in Hindi for bananas. Those fried and spices plantains looks so delicious. I will definitely try this recipe, bookmarking .
Wow! Who wouldv’e thought both cultures have “kele” in them, so many of our cultures have a lot of similarities. Thanks Sapana!
I love plantains! I hadn’t thought of adding spice to them though. This dish is excellent.