The Hirshon Ghanaian Spiced Fried Plantains – Kelewele

Citizens, allow your intrepid leader – the bold and always exploratory TFD! – to share with you today a recipe called kelewele from the proud African country of Ghana! You’ll never look at plantains the same way again, I promise!

Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian food made of fried plantains seasoned with spices. In English, it is sometimes called Hot Plantain Crisps. Kelewele is similar to dodo of Nigeria.

In Accra, the capital city of Ghana, kelewele is sold by street vendors, usually at night and sometimes in the afternoon by the country side women. It is sometimes served with beans stew, peanuts, or alone as a dessert. Kelewele is also popular for dinner.

The plantains are peeled and may be cut into chunks or cubes. Ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt are the typical spices used to make kelewele. However, onions, anise, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and chili powder are also used as spices.

Actually everyone has a secret spice blend to make their kelewele taste extraordinary, however commercial preparations exist that can simplify preparation and offer a standardized taste.

The oil should be hot and the plantain not be too soft, or it will absorb too much oil. It is cooked until the sugar in the plantains caramelizes, with brown edges.

Citizens, my version of this recipe is ferocious in its refusal to compromise – I specify two African spices that while hard to find, are what makes my version truly special! You can purchase ground ehuru seed (similar in taste to nutmeg) here and you can purchase the unique grains of Selim pepper here. 🙂

Battle on – The Generalissimo

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