Hungry and need a quick snack?
Plantain Bhajia (valakkai bajji,
aratikai bajji, plantain tempura)
is one of those easy appetizer recipes you can
make in minutes. Serve with ketchup and hot tea, and these vegetable
appetizers will please any vegetarian.
Servings: 6 (makes
about 20) Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Ingredients
2 medium plantains (raw banana), peeled,
cut in half,
and sliced into
thin strips
(as for chips, but slightly thicker)
1 cup besan (bengal gram flour)
1/4 cup rice
flour
Soda, a pinch
turmeric powder, a pinch
3/4 tsp red
chilli powder or as needed
1 tsp carom seeds
(ajwain seeds) crushed
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Preparation
Mix the besan, rice
flour, salt, soda, chilli and
turmeric powders. Add
some water and mix it into a tight paste. Add a little more water to
make a thick fritter batter.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. To check if the oil is
hot enough, put a
drop of the batter into the oil. The batter should rise to the top
quickly.
Dip the banana piece in the batter, making sure it's
coated on all
sides, and gently drop it into the oil. Repeat with the other pieces.
Fry until golden brown.
Serve hot with mint coriander chutney or tomato
sauce, and some hot masala chai.
Cooking Tip
If the plantain bhajias are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to
medium high.
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