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
What to know about kelewele
Kelewele is a street food specialty from southern Ghana, born among the Ga and Akan peoples: diced ripe plantain, marinated with ginger, chili pepper, nutmeg, onion and garlic, then fried. Its name comes from Ga, “kele” meaning to cut into small pieces and “wele” to fry. It is sold by the piece in bus stations, night markets and chop bars in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast. It is eaten on the go, especially in the evening, preferably hot, with the fingers or a toothpick.
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 69 €.
