Aratikaya Bajji
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these raw banana fritters are a beloved South Indian evening snack. Made with a spiced chickpea flour batter, they are perfect with a hot cup of chai.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Bananas (5 minutes)
- b.Wash the raw bananas thoroughly. Peel the green skin using a vegetable peeler.
- c.Slice them into thin, uniform rounds, about 2-3 mm thick. A mandoline slicer works best for even slices.
- d.Immediately place the slices into a bowl of cold water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Batter (5 minutes)
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, ajwain, red chili powder, turmeric powder, hing, baking soda, and salt.
- c.Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- d.Gradually add water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick, and lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat a banana slice without dripping off immediately, similar to a thick pancake batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Oil (5 minutes)
- b.Pour oil into a deep kadai or heavy-bottomed pan and heat over a medium-high flame. The ideal temperature is around 175-180°C (350°F).
- c.To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly without changing color too fast, the oil is at the perfect temperature.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Bajjis (8-10 minutes)
- b.Drain the banana slices completely and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps the batter adhere better.
- c.Dip each banana slice into the batter, ensuring it is fully and evenly coated on all sides.
- d.Carefully slide the battered slices into the hot oil, one by one. Fry in small batches of 5-6 to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
- e.Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping gently, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- f.The sizzling sound will reduce as they get cooked.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Once golden and crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove the bajjis from the oil.
- c.Place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- d.Serve Aratikaya Bajji immediately while hot and crispy with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The batter consistency is key. If it's too thin, it won't coat the banana. If too thick, the coating will be dense and doughy.
- 2Ensure the oil is at the correct medium-high temperature. If too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If not hot enough, the bajjis will be greasy.
- 3For extra crispy bajjis, add one tablespoon of hot oil from the frying pan into the batter and mix well just before you start frying.
- 4Patting the banana slices dry is a crucial step to ensure the batter sticks properly.
- 5Fry in small batches to maintain the oil's temperature and ensure even, crispy results.
- 6Serve immediately. Bajjis lose their crispiness as they cool down.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Variation
The same batter can be used to make bajjis with other vegetables like potato (aloo), onion (pyaz), eggplant (baingan), or spinach leaves (palak).
Spicy BatterSpicy Batter
Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and 1-2 finely chopped green chilies to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro or mint leaves into the batter for a fresh, herby taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Resistant Starch
Raw bananas are an excellent source of resistant starch, which functions like soluble fiber. It bypasses digestion and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting overall digestive health.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Besan (gram flour) is a gluten-free flour that is rich in protein and fiber. Protein is essential for muscle repair and maintenance, while fiber helps in promoting satiety and aids digestion.
Provides Key Minerals
Raw bananas contain essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Potassium is vital for controlling blood pressure and maintaining heart health, while magnesium plays a role in numerous bodily functions.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of Aratikaya Bajji (approximately 12 pieces) contains around 420-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.