Kele Wele

Experience the irresistible flavors of West Africa with Kele Wele, a spicy and savory fried plantain dish that's perfect as a snack or side. This beloved Ghanaian recipe features perfectly ripe plantains coated in a vibrant blend of ginger, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, and aromatic spices like ground cloves and paprika. The plantains are fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior with a tender, caramelized center. Infused with bold, zesty flavors and a hint of heat, Kele Wele is easy to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Serve it warm and elevate the dish with a garnish of crushed peanuts for an extra layer of crunch and richness. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or a flavorful accompaniment, Kele Wele is sure to impress with its unique taste and vibrant character.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients

• 3 pieces ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons (grated) ginger
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 0.5 medium (finely chopped or blended) onion
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (for frying) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Peel the plantains and slice them into bite-sized cubes or diagonal pieces, about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, ground cloves, paprika, salt, and water. Blend into a smooth paste.

Step 3

Transfer the paste to a large mixing bowl and add the sliced plantains. Mix well to coat the plantains evenly with the spice mixture. Let the plantains marinate for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the heat by dropping a small piece of plantain into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 5

Carefully add the marinated plantains to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the plantains are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried plantains and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7

Repeat the frying process with the remaining plantains.

Step 8

Serve the Kele Wele warm as a snack or side dish. Optionally, garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1181.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4383.5

Total Fat 421.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2395.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 205.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.0g	0%
Total Sugars 94.2g
Protein 10.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 64.1mg	0%
Iron 4.7mg	0%
Potassium 3298.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.4%

Protein: 0.9%

Carbs: 17.7%