How To Make Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains (Kelewele)
Kelewele, aka aloco, simply translates to “fried plantain crisps.” This is a popular Ghanaian street food. First, very ripe yellow plantains are cut, seasoned/battered in refreshing herbs and spices. Then fry until golden brown and slightly crispy. This recipe will change how you see or enjoy plantains, and you will be tempted to eat it all. This is a snack of our dreams and totally worth the hype. Oh, did I mention that these Ghanaian spicy fried plantains are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan?
Ghanaian Kelewele, aka Aloco
Kelewele or Aloco (Alloco) is a Ghanaian spiced fried plantain recipe. This richly flavored fried snack is very popular in the streets of Ghana and typically pairs with groundnuts (peanuts). The combination of sweet, ripe plantains with fresh herbs and spices such as fresh onions, ginger is a hit! Other dry traditional spices equally makes this dish unique and unforgettable. If you like fried plantains, you will love these Ghanaian spicy fried plantains – kelewele. The rich flavor of the ingredients needs to be studied, lol. This is one fried plantain recipe you need in your arsenal. So are my other African recipes: Akara, moi-moi, and beans porridge, all of which pair with plantains.👀
Generally, Africans love plantains, btw, have you checked out my plantain eggs frittata yet? However, this African spicy fried plantain kelewele, aka aloco, is truly the next level – sweet, spicy, tasty, and flavorful! I am always proud to offer this yummy treat to people who wish to explore African foods. You are in luck because today I’m showing you how to make the most delicious Ghanaian spicy fried plantains.
What does Kelewele (Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains) Taste Like?
Listen, the golden color of this spiced plantain recipe instantly invites you to take a bite, and to be honest; you can’t resist. Then comes the sweet flavors, which are undeniable! The slightly crunchy/crispy and spicy exterior augments the meaty, heartwarming, and satisfying interior. Remember, these spiced fried ripe plantains are first battered in refreshing and spicy ingredients, including onions, ginger, cayenne pepper, spices, etc., ultimately giving them the best possible taste. Did I mention that this recipe requires only six ingredients: ripe plantains, onions, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper?
What is the Best Type of Plantain to Use to Make Ghanaian Kelewele?
You will need a very ripe plantain to make this recipe, best if they have some age spots (brown spots). Ripe plantains are very sweet and make the best aloco. I have yet to make this recipe with green plantains.
Why You Will Love Kelewele (Aloco):
- Spiced and packed with so many flavors
- Kelewele is a crowd-pleaser. I have yet to see anyone who didn’t love this spicy fried plantain snack!
- Popular street food; if you are interested in trying foods from Ghana or West African, then this is my recommendation. It is an easy street food to try!
- You can never go wrong with frying ripe plantains; they pair well with Jollof rice and beans. Though kelewele traditionally pairs with groundnuts.
- Kelewele/aloco is a vegan recipe perfect for all my dairy-free and gluten-free friends.
- This spiced plantain recipe makes an excellent appetizer or snack for your guests.
- This is an easy-to-make recipe; you must be mindful of the hot oil splashes. Make sure to head over to my YouTube Channel for more tips & recipe tutorial.
Ingredients for Ghanaian Spiced Fried Plantains (Kelewele):
- Ripe plantains (very ripe sweet plantains with brown/age spots)
- Purple onions
- Fresh ginger
- Nutmeg (freshly grounded)
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- Oil (for frying); not pictured. I used peanut oil, but any frying oil works.
How to Make Kelewele (Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains) From Scratch:
Kelewele, aka aloco, simply translates to “fried plantain crisps.” This is a popular Ghanaian street food and probably one of the best plantain recipes in the world! Let’s make this delicacy.
- Gather your ingredients
Though this kelewele, aka aloco recipe, requires only 6 ingredients that you could easily sneeze out of your pantry, I still encourage you to have your ingredients ready before starting.
- Peel and cut the plantains
Typically, I wash my plantains before peeling, so if you wish to wash them as I do, then go ahead and do so. Next, peel the plantains and cut them as desired. To be honest, you can cut the plantains any way you wish. If you need help figuring out how to cut your plantains for kelewele, look at my photos (below) to see the shape of the plantains. You can also simply cut the plantains into cubes. Also, watch my video for the tutorial. Additionally, peel the onion and set aside.
- Season the plantains
Place the cut plantains in a big bowl, then grate the ginger into the bowl of plantains. Next, grate the onion and nutmeg into the same bowl. Finally, add cayenne pepper and salt and combine everything. I usually taste and adjust the flavor if necessary. You can allow your seasoned/spiced plantains to marinate for up to 30 minutes before frying. Personally, I don‘t.
- Fry Your Spiced Plantains
Place your frying pan on the stove, turn on medium heat, and add the oil. Ensure that you have enough oil to fry the aloco. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the spiced plantains. To fry, gently add them to your hot oil away from your body, avoiding hot splashes. Cook on all sides, stirring and turning (as needed) until golden brown and slightly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to scoop off the oil and place on a parchment paper-lined tray/plate. Repeat this process to cook all your spiced/marinated plantains. Then, grab a chair, sit down, and enjoy with groundnuts!
What do you Pair with Kelewele/How to Serve Aloco?
Traditionally, we pair kelewele with groundnuts, aka peanuts. I love eating these spicy Ghanaian fried plantains with roasted groundnuts and some people opt for boiled groundnuts. I have also paired spicy fried plantains with jollof rice or Nigerian beans porridge. You can also pair this with fried yam, pap/akamu. Trust that aloco is versatile though still very enjoyable by itself!
Tips for Making the Best Ghanaian Aloco
- Use fresh ingredients, especially fresh onions and ginger.
- Use ripe plantains
- Add more cayenne pepper if desired to be spicyer.
- Depending on the color you desire for your kelewele, you could fry them just a tad bit longer for a deeper brown color.
- Use quality oil for frying.
Substitutions/Variations
- Never substitute bananas for plantains (LOL)
- Don’t have fresh onions? Use onion powder (please note that I have never done this before).
- Add garlic for more nutrients and flavor. I typically don’t.
- You can use a food processor to grate/blend the onions and ginger… I love using the hand-held grater.
- Do not over-crowd the pan when frying Ghanaian spicy fried plantains because they have a tendency to stick together as ripe plantains would.
- Transfer your spiced fried ripe plantains onto a paper towel-lined plate or tray. This ensures that excess oil soaks out, leaving you to enjoy these treats guilt-free.
- Please keep your eyes on these plantains while they fry because they can easily overcook/burn.
Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains FAQs:
In English, kelewele means “hot plantain crisps.” It is simply a spicy or spiced fried ripe plantains. And it tastes so good!
Traditionally, and in most West African countries, especially in Ghana, you make this recipe with fresh ingredients, including fresh onions (not onion powder) and fresh ginger (not ginger powder). Also among the ingredients include spicy pepper or cayenne, salt, nutmeg and other spices. I have also seen people make kelewele with powdered onion and ginger. Personally, I try to stick with the ingredients, and for this recipe, I stick with only six ingredients: ripe plantains, onions, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
In Ghana, kelewele is usually sold at night, and it is the perfect evening snack. One of the reasons people believe that this street food is sold at night is because Ghana, like most West African countries, is hot. So, it makes sense to fry and sell these spicy fried plantains in the evening and at night when the temperature is cooler.
Recipe Card:
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How To Make Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantains (Kelewele)
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Kelewele, aka aloco, simply translates to “fried plantain crisps.” This is a popular Ghanaian street food. First, very ripe yellow plantains are cut, seasoned/battered in refreshing herbs and spices. Then fry until golden brown and slightly crispy. This recipe will change how you see or enjoy plantains, and you will be tempted to eat it all. This is a snack of our dreams and totally worth the hype. Oh, did I mention that these Ghanaian spicy fried plantains are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan?
Ingredients
- 3 – 4 Ripe plantains (very ripe sweet plantains with brown/age spots)
- 1 small bulb of purple onion or ½ big bulb
- 1 – 2 thumb(s) of Fresh ginger
- ½ – 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ¾ – 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Cayenne pepper (or as needed)
- Oil (for frying); up to 2 – 3 cups – peanut oil or canola oil is great for frying or any vegetable oil you desire.
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Though the kelewele, aka aloco recipe, requires only 6 ingredients you easily sneeze out of your pantry, I still encourage you to have your ingredients ready before starting.
- Peel and cut the plantains. Typically, I wash my plantains before peeling, so if you wish to wash them as I do, then go ahead and do so. Next, peel the plantains and cut them as desired. To be honest, you can cut the plantains any way you wish. If you need help figuring out how to cut your plantains for kelewele, look at my photos to see the shape of the plantains. You can also simply cut the plantains into cubes. Also, watch my video for the tutorial. Additionally, peel the onion and set aside.
- Season the plantains. Place the cut plantains into a big bowl, then grate the onion into the bowl of plantain. Next grate the ginger into the same bowl as well as the nutmeg. Finally, add cayenne pepper and salt and combine everything. I would usually taste and adjust the flavor if necessary. You can allow your seasoned/spiced plantains to marinate for up to 30 minutes before frying. Personally, I don‘t.
- Fry Your Spiced Plantains. Place your frying pan on the stove turned on medium heat, add the oil. Ensure that you have enough oil to fry the aloco. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the spiced plantains. To fry, gently add them to your hot oil away from your body avoiding hot splashes. Cook on all sides, stirring and turning (as needed) until golden brown and slightly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to scoop off the oil and place on a parchment paper-lined tray/plate. Repeat this process to cook all your spiced/marinated plantains. Then, grab a chair, sit down, and enjoy with groundnuts!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients, especially fresh onions and ginger.
Use ripe plantains
Add more cayenne pepper if desired to be spicyer.
Depending on the color you desire for your kelewele, you could fry them just a tad bit longer for a deeper brown color.
Use quality oil for frying.
More Recipes With Plantains (YUM):
- Nigerian Plantains and Eggs Frittata
- Nutritious Plantain Brownies
- Nigerian Baked Ripe Plantains with Guacamole (Boil)
- Pecan Butter Energy Balls with Plantains and Oats
- Thanksgiving Plantain Sausage Stuffing (Gluten-free)
Try More Authentic Africa Cuisine:
- Nigerian Fried Yam and Eggs
- Authentic Party-style Jollof Rice with Assorted Meat
- Nigerian Meat Pies
- Goat Meat Pepper Soup and Yam
- Nigerian Fried Rice Recipe
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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!
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