Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains
Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains, or Kelewele, are a beloved street food originating from Ghana, known for their tantalizing flavor and crispy texture. These bite-sized cubes of ripe plantains are infused with a fragrant blend of spices, including fresh ginger and cayenne pepper, before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Not only are they a popular snack or side dish, but they also showcase the vibrant culinary traditions of West Africa. Kelewele are often enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats. With their sweet and spicy profile, they are sure to impress at any gathering, making them perfect for celebrations and casual meals alike.
N/A
Servings
112.5
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe plantains
4-6 (Peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes)
Cayenne pepper or red pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Fresh gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (Peeled and grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Water
2 tablespoons (For mixing with spices)
Palm oil or vegetable oil
As needed (For frying)
Instructions
1
Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
2
In a small bowl, combine the grated fresh ginger, cayenne pepper (or red pepper), salt, and water to form a spice mixture.
3
In a large glass or mixing bowl, toss the plantain cubes thoroughly with the spice mixture, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
4
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough palm oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to allow the plantains to float freely.
5
Carefully add the marinated plantains to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure they are crispy and golden brown on both sides, turning them gently with a slotted spoon.
6
Once cooked, remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper towels.
7
Keep the fried plantains warm in a preheated oven while frying the remaining batches. Serve the Kelewele immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
16g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains?
Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains, or Kelewele, are a beloved street food originating from Ghana, known for their tantalizing flavor and crispy texture.
What is the local name for this dish?
The local name for this dish is Kelewele.
What type of plantains should be used?
The recipe calls for ripe plantains.
How should the plantains be cut?
The plantains should be peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes.
What spices are used in the spice mixture?
The mixture consists of grated fresh ginger, cayenne pepper (or red pepper), and salt.
How long should the plantains marinate?
Let the plantain cubes marinate for about 10-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
What is the purpose of adding water to the spices?
Two tablespoons of water are used to form the spice mixture that coats the plantains.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying?
Palm oil or vegetable oil is recommended for deep-frying.
What temperature should the oil reach?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C).
Why should I fry the plantains in batches?
Frying in batches ensures the plantains do not overcrowd the pan and become crispy and golden brown.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper towels.
How can I keep the plantains warm while frying more batches?
You can keep the fried plantains warm in a preheated oven.
Is this Kelewele recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Kelewele is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 112.5 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the fried plantains?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in Kelewele?
Yes, there is approximately 0.75g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content?
The dish provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients.
How is the gingerroot prepared?
The gingerroot should be peeled and finely grated.
Can I use red pepper instead of cayenne?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt is used to flavor the spice mixture.
Where does Kelewele originate from?
Kelewele originates from Ghana in West Africa.
How is the dish typically served?
It is often enjoyed as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish accompaniment to grilled meats.
What is the texture of these plantains?
They are known for their crispy texture and golden perfection.
Is this dish considered street food?
Yes, Kelewele is a beloved street food in West African culinary traditions.
When should Kelewele be served for best results?
It should be served immediately for the best taste and texture.
How many plantains are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 ripe plantains.
What flavor profile does Kelewele have?
It has a sweet and spicy profile due to the ripe plantains and ginger-cayenne mixture.
What tools are needed for frying?
A deep skillet or frying pan and a slotted spoon are needed for the frying process.