Sarkara Varatti, also known as Sharkara Upperi or Jaggery Coated Banana Chips, is a popular Kerala snack made from ripe bananas that are deep-fried and coated with jaggery syrup. It’s a sweet and crispy treat that’s perfect for festivals and special occasions. Here’s the recipe:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (ethapazham)
- 1/2 cup jaggery, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered cardamom
- A pinch of dry ginger powder (optional)
- Coconut oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and thinly slice them. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
- Fry Bananas: Heat coconut oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying. When the oil is hot, carefully add the banana slices in batches.
- Fry Until Crispy: Fry the banana slices on medium heat until they turn crisp and golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove and Drain: Once the banana slices are crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In a separate pan, melt the grated jaggery with a little water. Cook it until it forms a thick syrup. To check if the syrup is ready, drop a small amount into a bowl of water. It should form a soft ball when rolled between your fingers.
- Add Spices: Add powdered cardamom and dry ginger powder (if using) to the jaggery syrup and mix well.
- Coat Banana Slices: Add the fried banana slices to the jaggery syrup and mix gently to coat them evenly with the syrup.
- Dry and Cool: Place the jaggery-coated banana slices on a greased surface or parchment paper. Allow them to cool and dry for a few hours. They will become crisp as they cool.
- Store: Once the sarkara varatti is completely cool and dry, you can store it in an airtight container.
Cook’s Tips:
- Use ripe but firm bananas for the best results.
- Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your sweetness preference.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy: Sarkara Varatti is a delightful sweet snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a festive meal. Its combination of the sweetness from jaggery and the crunchiness of banana chips makes it a unique and delicious treat.
