Description

Vazhakkai Varuval is a popular South Indian vegetarian dish featuring raw bananas shallow-fried with aromatic spices. It's a flavorful and slightly crispy side dish that perfectly complements rice-based meals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium Raw Bananas (Vazhakkai)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala
• 1 tablespoon Rice Flour (for crispiness)
• Salt (to taste)
• 3-4 tablespoons Oil (for shallow frying)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves

Instructions

1. Peel the raw bananas and cut them into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Immediately immerse them in water to prevent discoloration.
2. In a bowl, drain the banana slices and add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, rice flour, and salt. Mix everything gently to coat the banana slices evenly with the spices.
3. Heat oil in a pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add a batch of the marinated banana slices in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry the banana slices on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Add curry leaves to the oil towards the end for extra flavor.
5. Remove the fried banana slices from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Repeat the frying process with the remaining marinated banana slices.
7. Serve hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or rasam.