DISH NAME : KAAYA VARUTHATHU (KERALA BANANA CHIPS )

Preparation Time : 30 inutes

Cooking Time : 30 minutes

Description

Kerala banana chips are a must in every household in Kerala during the festival of Onam. Raw kerala bananas, known as "nendrakaaya" in Malayalam, is usually used to make these wafers. Now a days even semi ripe bananas are also made into chips. Though its an elaborate process, its worth trying as the end result is very tasty.

Note

1) Seperate the slices before adding to oil or it will clump together and will not be crispy.
2) As you fry the remaining batches, rember that the oil has a little more salt than the earlier batch. An so add salt accordingly.

Method

1) Wash and dry bananas.
2) With a sharp knife, make a cut on the skin on the ridge of the banana from top to bottom.
3) Now slit open the peel from where we have made the cut,with the knife to remove the skin. Keep the peeled bananas immersed in water or it wil blacken.
4) Wash the banana well, slightly scrubbing with the knife. Traditionally a fresh unused coconut husk was used. This scrubbing removes all sticky dirt & also gives an even tone to the banana.
5) Then add the bananas to water in which 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder has been added. The bananas should be fully immersed in water. This will prevent blackening of bananas and also will give it a beautiful color. Take out the bananas after about 30 minutes.
6) Slice the banans thinly into roundels on a slicer. In between slicing dip the banana in little oil. This will prevent banana slices from sticking together.
7) Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan. Add 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder in a white muslin cloth & drop it in oil.To check if the oil is ready for frying, add a banana slice to the oil. If oil starts bubbling & the slice comes to the top immediately, the oil is ready to fry.
8) Now add banana slices in bathches. Do not cowd the pan. Stir the slices gently with a slotted spoon. Fry till you hear a nice crispy sound & frothing of oil stops.
9) Now add 2 tsp of salt solution to the oil. Be careful, the oil will splatter lightly.
9) Once the bubbling sound stops, remove the chips onto a kitchen towel with a slotted spoon.
10) Follow the same steps for the remaining chips. Taste the first batch & increase or decrease the qty of salt solution you add to the frying chips.
11) after the chips are completely cooled store in an airtight bottle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at room temperature as an evening snack.