kelewele

Kelewele is a Ghanaian dish of ripe plantains that are peeled, cut into pieces, and marinated in a spicy pepper paste before being fried. It is a popular street food in Ghana, especially in urban centers such as Accra and Kumasi, and is commonly enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

The typical spice paste includes hot peppers or chili, fresh ginger, garlic, and onions, with salt and sometimes additional spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. Plantains used are usually ripe (yellow with dark spots) rather than green. After marinating for a short period, the plantain pieces are shallow- or deep-fried in oil, often until golden and crisp. Some preparations finish with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or sesame seeds.

Kelewele is commonly served with shito, a Ghanaian chili sauce, or with roasted peanuts. It may also accompany grilled or fried meats, kebabs, or fish, and variations exist that adjust the level of heat or add local spice blends. While it is most closely associated with Ghanaian street cuisine, similar spiced fried plantain dishes appear in other West African culinary traditions.

Overall, kelewele is characterized by its combination of ripe plantain sweetness and a hot, aromatic spice mix, reflecting Ghana’s broader use of peppers and ginger in street foods.