Once upon a time, in the lush, tropical land of Kerala, there was a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation, guarded more closely than the recipe for Coca-Cola. This was the recipe for the most delectable, crunchy, and scrumptious snack known to man: Keralan Banana Chips.
Have you ever heard of a chip so crispy and delicious that it can make even the grumpiest people break into a smile? Well, my friends, I present to you the humble yet divine creation of banana chips from India’s lush state of Kerala.
Banana chips, also known as Keralan banana chips, are a popular snack in the Indian state of Kerala. They are made by slicing ripe bananas and deep-frying them in oil until they are crispy and golden brown. For added flavour, the chips can be seasoned with spices, such as black pepper, chilli powder, or cumin. They are served as a snack or a side dish with meals and are known for their crunchy texture and sweet-salty taste.
Making banana chips is an art form in itself. It’s not as simple as just slicing and frying a banana. No, no, no. It’s a process that requires patience, precision, and a whole lot of oil.
First, the bananas must be carefully selected
They must be ripe enough to be sweet but not so ripe that they turn mushy when fried. This is where patience comes in, as one must wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Once the bananas are ready, the slicing begins
Now, this is where the precision comes in. Each slice must be of equal thickness so they cook evenly and become perfectly crisp. But let’s be honest; we’ve all had those moments where our slices look more like banana noodles than chips. And that, my friends, is where the fun begins.
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Next, it’s time for the oil bath
Let me tell you, the more oil, the merrier. The oil had to be at just the right temperature, not too hot or cold. If it were too hot, the chips would burn and become bitter; if it were too cold, they would be soggy and unappetizing. The slices are gently placed into the hot oil and are fried until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
And the aroma! Oh, the aroma! It’s like a heavenly symphony of sweet banana and sizzling oil, enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it.
Once the chips are fried to perfection, they are removed from the oil and placed on a bed of paper towels to drain. This is the crucial moment where the chips could soar to greatness or crash and burn. The chips are sprinkled with a blend of spices and a secret ingredient known only to the most experienced chip makers. And voila! You have a plate of delicious, crispy, and oh-so-addictive banana chips.
The aroma of the freshly made chips wafted through the streets, beckoning all who passed to stop and sample a piece. Children would chase after the chip makers, trying to snag a free sample, and grown-ups would sneak in a few chips when no one was looking. The Keralan banana chips are a delicacy, a snack for kings and commoners alike.
When you take a bite of those crispy chips, remember the journey that went into making them and savour every bite. And, if all else fails, close your eyes and pretend you’re in Kerala, basking in the sun and munching on a plate of fresh banana chips. Yum!
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