1. Sweet Plantain Recipes

a. Fried Ripe Plantain (Kyam/Kelewele Sweet Style)

Golden, soft and sweet — the classic Ghanaian favourite.

How to make it special:

• Slice plantain diagonally for bigger pieces

• Fry until caramel-brown

• Sprinkle a little salt to balance the sweetness

Perfect with rice, beans or as a snack.

b. Kelewele

Spicy, sweet and aromatic — Ghana’s famous street food.

Seasoning mix:

• Ginger

• Pepper

• Nutmeg

• Cloves

• Salt

Toss and fry until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

c. Plantain Pancakes

A great breakfast idea using very ripe plantains.

Ingredients:

• Mashed ripe plantains

• Eggs

• Flour or oats

• Nutmeg

• Baking powder

These pancakes are naturally sweet and kid-friendly.

d. Plantain Toffee (Bofrot-style Glaze)

A fun dessert made by dipping fried plantain pieces in caramelized sugar.

Why it works:

• Crunchy outside

• Soft inside

• Perfect for festive treats

2. Savory Plantain Dishes

a. Green Plantain Chips

Crispy and salty — a favourite snack in Ghana.

Tips:

• Slice very thin

• Fry on medium-low heat

• Season with salt, chili or garlic powder

Great for movie nights and lunch boxes.

b. Plantain and Beans (Red Red)

One of Ghana’s most comforting meals.

Why people love it:

• Affordable

• Filling

• Rich in protein

• Perfect combination of sweet and savory flavours

Serve with gari sprinkled on top.

c. Baked Plantain with Spices

A healthier alternative to frying.

How to do it:

• Slice plantains

• Drizzle with oil

• Season with salt, paprika and black pepper

• Bake until golden

Crispy edges, soft centers — delicious!

d. Plantain Frittata (Egg and Plantain Pie)

A popular brunch dish in Ghana.

Ingredients:

• Cooked plantains

• Eggs

• Onions

• Bell peppers

• Sausage or chicken (optional)

Bake or pan-cook until set. Makes a beautiful slice!

3. Creative and Unexpected Plantain Recipes

a. Plantain Lasagna (“Plasagna”)

A trending recipe in Ghana’s food scene.

How it works:

• Use thin strips of fried or baked plantain instead of pasta sheets

• Layer with meat sauce and cheese

• Bake until bubbling

Rich, sweet, savoury — absolutely amazing for parties.

b. Stuffed Baked Plantains

A great idea for ripe plantains.

Stuffing options:

• Minced beef

• Vegetables

• Chicken & cheese

• Beans & spices

Bake until plantain is soft and filling is golden.

c. Plantain Burgers (Plantain Buns)

A fun, gluten-free twist.

Method:

• Use flattened fried plantains as “buns”

• Fill with grilled chicken or beef

• Add lettuce, onions and cheese

Perfect for creative food lovers.

d. Plantain Soup (A Creative Twist)

Inspired by yam or potato soup.

Ingredients:

• Green plantains

• Tomatoes

• Onions

• Pepper

• Spices

• Protein of choice

Creamy, hearty and surprisingly delicious.

4. Tips for Cooking the Best Plantain

Use the right plantain for the right recipe:

• Green plantain: chips, savoury meals, frittata

• Semi-ripe: red red, baked plantain

• Ripe: kelewele, pancakes, desserts

Don’t overcrowd when frying

Keeps plantain crispy, not soggy.

Add a pinch of salt to bring out sweetness

Even in sweet recipes.

Use spices creatively

Nutmeg, paprika, ginger and black pepper transform plantain instantly.

Conclusion

Plantain is more than just a side dish — it’s a canvas for creativity. Whether fried, baked, mashed or grilled, plantain offers endless possibilities for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. This guide provides sweet indulgences, savory favourites and imaginative recipes that elevate plantain beyond the ordinary.

If you’re a true plantain lover, try a new recipe each week and enjoy just how versatile this amazing ingredient can be.