In brief
- Kelewele: diced ripe plantain, fried and spiced with ginger and chili
- Origin: Ghana, a street food born in the south of the country, among the Ga and Akan peoples
- Essential ingredients: ripe plantain, ginger, chili, nutmeg
- Eaten on the go, as a street snack, especially in the evening
Origins and cultural history of kelewele
Kelewele emerged in the everyday cooking of southern Ghana, among the Ga and Akan peoples, as a way to make ripe plantain tastier than simply frying it plain. Its name comes from Ga: “kele” (to cut into small pieces) and “wele” (to fry). By the middle of the twentieth century, it had become a fixture at bus stations, night markets and chop bars in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast, sold by the piece and eaten with the fingers or a toothpick.
What are the essential ingredients of kelewele
Making kelewele combines the sweetness of well-ripened plantain with a spicy marinade.
- ripe plantain
- fresh ginger
- chili
- nutmeg
- onion and garlic
- frying oil
Nutritional benefits of kelewele
The ripe plantain used in kelewele provides, per 100 g raw, 127 kilocalories, 29.6 g of carbohydrates and 2.3 g of fiber. It also contains 499 mg of potassium and 18.4 mg of vitamin C per 100 g (Ciqual table, Anses). Frying adds a share of fat that depends on how much oil the plantain cubes absorb.
Frequently asked questions about kelewele
How long does kelewele keep?
Kelewele is best eaten hot, straight out of the fryer. It loses its crispness as it cools, but keeps for 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can kelewele be prepared ahead of time?
The ginger and chili marinade can be made a few hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator. The frying itself should be done just before serving, to keep the cubes crisp.
Where to find the ingredients for kelewele in France?
NKOSI sells the ginger and chili needed for the kelewele marinade and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 59 €.
