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A classic South Indian side dish, Vazhakkai Varuval features crisp, pan-fried raw banana slices coated in a spicy and aromatic masala. The rice flour gives it an irresistible crunch, making it a perfect accompaniment for sambar, rasam, or curd rice.
Prepare the Bananas: Wash the raw bananas thoroughly. Trim both ends. Using a peeler, remove the thick green skin. Slice them into uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Immediately place the slices into a large bowl of water with a pinch of turmeric to prevent oxidation and browning. Let them soak while you prepare the masala.
Create the Masala Paste: In a wide mixing bowl, combine the red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, rice flour, hing, and salt. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix well to form a thick, smooth paste with a consistency similar to pancake batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
Coat the Banana Slices: Drain the banana slices from the water completely. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer the dry slices to the bowl with the masala paste. Gently toss with your hands or a spatula until every slice is evenly and thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Shallow Fry the Bananas: Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully arrange the coated banana slices in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and crisp at the edges. Remove the fried slices with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
Prepare the Tempering: In the same pan, using the leftover oil (add a little more if the pan is dry), add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the urad dal and sauté for 30-40 seconds until it turns a light golden color. Add the curry leaves and fry for a few seconds until they become crisp and aromatic.
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A classic South Indian side dish, Vazhakkai Varuval features crisp, pan-fried raw banana slices coated in a spicy and aromatic masala. The rice flour gives it an irresistible crunch, making it a perfect accompaniment for sambar, rasam, or curd rice.
This south_indian recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 140.86 calories per serving with 1.9g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Combine and Serve: Return the fried banana slices to the pan with the tempering. Gently toss everything together for about a minute, so the tempering ingredients coat the slices. Turn off the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top, give it a final toss, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
For a different flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of sambar powder or garam masala along with the other spices in the masala paste.
Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and add them to the masala paste for a pungent, garlicky aroma and taste.
For a healthier alternative, arrange the coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the coated slices in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Prepare the tempering separately and toss with the air-fried slices before serving.
Raw bananas are high in resistant starch, which functions like soluble fiber. It feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, promoting digestive health and better blood sugar control.
The high fiber content in raw bananas aids in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.
Raw bananas are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that plays a vital role in controlling blood pressure, maintaining heart health, and supporting proper muscle function.
Immediately after slicing, immerse the raw banana slices in a bowl of water. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder or a few drops of lemon juice to the water is even more effective at preventing discoloration.
Vazhakkai Varuval can be part of a healthy diet. Raw bananas are a great source of fiber and resistant starch. This recipe involves shallow frying, which uses less oil than deep frying. For a healthier version, you can bake or air fry the slices.
One serving of Vazhakkai Varuval contains approximately 150-170 calories, depending on the size of the bananas and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot to appreciate its crispy texture. If made ahead, the slices will become soft. You can, however, slice and coat the bananas in advance and fry them just before serving.
There could be a few reasons: the slices were not dried properly before coating, the pan was overcrowded causing them to steam, or the oil was not hot enough. Using rice flour is also key to achieving maximum crispiness.