Kelewele or fried plantains from Ghana

Kelewele into a spicy and crispy snack, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. This naturally gluten-free dish is made with pieces of ripe plantain marinated in a blend of spices including ginger, chili, and garlic, before being deep-fried to perfection. Popular as a snack or side dish, Kelewele is enjoyed by families and friends alike at convivial meals.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

Rest time: 20 minutes

Total time 37 minutes

Cooking method: Ninja Foodi , Traditional

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 6

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

4 ripe (but firm) bananas
1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp turmeric
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil for the marinade
Frying oil

Preparation

1
Preparing plantain bananas: Peel the plantain bananas and cut them into medium-sized pieces (about 2 to 3 cm).
2
Preparing the marinade: In a bowl, combine the grated ginger, garlic, chili, turmeric, salt, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir well to obtain a homogeneous marinade.
3
Marinate the plantains: Add the plantain pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Mix well so that each piece is coated with the spice mixture. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
4
To fry the plantains: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated plantain pieces and fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. I used my Ninja Foodi for air frying with very little oil.
5
Drain and serve: Drain the plantain pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot, with a spicy sauce or simply plain.

Keywords: Ghanaian Kelewele recipe, plantain banana recipe, African recipe