Delicious and Authentic Pazham Pori Recipe: Enjoy a Taste of Kerala at Home

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas (preferably Nendra Pazham)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Water as required
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise into 3-4 pieces each.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add water gradually to the dry mixture while stirring continuously to make a batter of medium consistency. Ensure that there are no lumps.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat for deep frying.
  5. Dip the banana slices in the batter, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
  6. Once the oil is hot enough, drop the batter coated banana slices into the oil and deep fry until golden brown.
  7. Drain the fried bananas on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  8. Repeat with the remaining banana slices and batter.
  9. Serve Pazham Pori hot as a snack or dessert.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use wheat flour or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free version.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom powder or cinnamon powder to the batter for added flavor.
  • Coat the banana slices with desiccated coconut flakes before dipping them in the batter for a tropical twist.
  • Replace bananas with plantains for a slightly different taste and texture.
  • For a savory variation, skip the sugar and add a pinch of red chili powder and cumin powder to the batter.
  • Serve Pazham Pori with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
  • Add a tablespoon of yogurt to the batter for a softer texture.
  • Experiment with different types of bananas such as plantains, ladyfinger bananas, or red bananas for a unique flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, dip the banana slices in a thin layer of breadcrumbs before coating them with the batter.

Recipe overview

Pazham Pori, also known as Ethakka Appam, is a popular snack from Kerala, India. It features ripe bananas coated in a simple batter and deep fried to golden perfection. This recipe is straightforward to prepare and requires just a few common ingredients. Typically enjoyed as a tea-time snack or dessert, Pazham Pori is sweet, crispy on the outside, and delightfully soft on the inside. With this recipe, you'll be able to create this beloved snack right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of banana for Pazham Pori?
    It is best to use ripe Nendra Pazham (a variety of banana) for authentic flavor and texture. However, you can use other ripe bananas as well.
  2. Do I need to add turmeric powder?
    Turmeric powder is optional, but it adds a nice color to the batter. You can omit it if you prefer.
  3. Can I use a different type of flour?
    All-purpose flour and rice flour work best for this recipe. It is not recommended to substitute with other flours as it may affect the texture and taste.
  4. How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying?
    You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
  5. Can I bake Pazham Pori instead of deep frying?
    Traditionally, Pazham Pori is deep-fried for the desired texture and taste. Baking may not yield the same results.
  6. Can I store leftovers?
    Pazham Pori is best enjoyed fresh and is not generally stored as it may lose its crispiness. However, you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat them in an oven or toaster oven to regain some crispness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying Pan - A deep frying pan or kadai for frying the banana slices.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried Pazham Pori.
  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the batter for coating the banana slices.
  • Whisk - A whisk or spoon to mix the batter ingredients together.
  • Slotted Spoon - A slotted spoon for removing the fried Pazham Pori from the oil.

Origin stories

Pazham Pori, also known as Ethakka Appam, is a beloved snack from the South Indian state of Kerala. This dish has a long-standing tradition and is often served in the homes of Keralites, irrespective of religion and caste, symbolizing its significance in the cultural fabric of Kerala. The snack is so iconic, it is often the one thing Malayalis living abroad miss about their homeland, evoking memories of rainy afternoons with a cup of hot tea in one hand and a piece of this sweet, warm, banana fritter in the other. It's not just a dish, but a package of nostalgia for many. Historically, it's also been a popular choice among vendors at train stations, offering a quick and tasty snack for travelers on long journeys. Indeed, the aroma of Pazham Pori frying in coconut oil is often enough to transport one to the tropical coast of Kerala, where bananas grow in abundance and this delicious snack first originated.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.