Nendran Banana Chips (Kerala Banana Chips)

Nendran Chips is one of the popular snacks of Kerala. They are called “Upperi” or “kaai Varthathu” These are different from other banana chips and are yellow in color. The color is natural. They are fried in coconut oil and sprinkled with salt water. Banana chips are very important item in any formal dinner, especially Onam Sadya. My in-laws were very orthodox and they always eat only home –made food. This enabled me to learn chip making from my mother-in-law . In this recipe in place of coconut oil I used cooking oil.

Ingredients:

Raw Nendran banana                   - 4no

Salt                                             - 2 tsp

Turmeric powder                          – ½ tsp

Water                                          - 1/4 cup

Oil                                                 for deep frying

Method:

• Dissolve 1 tsp salt in 1/4 cup of water. Add Turmeric powder in it. Mix well.
• Peel the Nendran bananas. Do not throw away the peels. It can be used to make thoran Slice the bananas into thin rounds.
• Heat oil in a kadai (The stove heat should be in medium). Deep fry the banana pieces in batches.
• When they turn yellow, sprinkle 2 tsp turmeric salt water into the oil.
• Fry till the water evaporates fully.  Drain on a paper towel and store in an air tight container.