Print

Baked Kelewele Recipe

5 from 96 reviews

Baked Kelewele is a healthier twist on the traditional Ghanaian spicy fried plantains. These bite-sized ripe plantains are tossed in a flavorful blend of ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, and other spices, then baked to crispy perfection. Garnished with roasted peanuts, this snack is perfect for those craving a flavorful yet guilt-free treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Plantains and Seasonings

  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the plantains evenly.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking and help the plantains crisp up.
  3. Slice Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains carefully and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy snacking.
  4. Season Plantains: Toss the plantain pieces with avocado oil, salt, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until well coated with the spice mixture.
  5. Arrange on Sheet: Place the seasoned plantain pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced enough to allow crisping on all sides.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the plantains halfway through the cooking time to promote even caramelization and crispiness.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked to a crispy golden brown, transfer the kelewele to a serving platter and garnish with roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use ripe plantains that are yellow with black spots for the best sweetness and caramelization.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness; omit if you prefer a milder snack.
  • Nutmeg is optional but adds a warm, aromatic note to the spice blend.
  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the plantains for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Serve as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite dips or sauces.

Keywords: Baked Kelewele, Spicy Plantains, Ghanaian Snack, Healthy Plantains, Gluten Free Snack, Vegetarian Appetizer