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Pazham pori
Banana fritters
പഴംപൊരി: ripe nendran banana fritters in a light, sweet batter, the Kerala tea-shop favourite
Pazham pori is what the glass cases of Kerala's roadside tea shops are full of at four in the afternoon: long slices of ripe nendran banana dipped in a sweet batter and fried in coconut oil until puffed and golden. Bite through the crisp, slightly chewy coat and the banana inside is soft, hot and honeyed. People eat them standing at the counter with a glass of frothy, milky chaya, or carry a paper parcel home for the family. Chef's tip: wait until the nendran skins are mostly black; the banana must be fully ripe to turn creamy when fried.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the fritters
- 2 very ripe nendran bananasor 3 ripe plantains
- 3 ½ oz plain flour (maida)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch ground turmeric
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ cup waterabout
- 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda (optional)
For frying
- 2 cups coconut oilor sunflower oil
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Whisk 3 ½ oz plain flour (maida), 2 tbsp rice flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 pinch ground turmeric, 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda if using, then add ½ cup water gradually, whisking out lumps, until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, like double cream. Rest it for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Peel 2 very ripe nendran bananas, cut each in half across, then slice each half lengthways into 3 slices about 7 mm thick.
Step 3: Heat 2 cups coconut oil in a kadai over a medium heat to about 350°F; a drop of batter should rise steadily with lively bubbles within 3 seconds.
5 minStep 4: Dip each slice in the batter, letting the excess drip back, and slide it into the oil. Fry 3–4 at a time for 2–3 minutes per side, until puffed and an even deep gold. Common mistake: frying in oil that is too hot. The batter browns in a minute while the banana inside stays firm and raw-tasting.
10 minStep 5: Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with tea.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 280 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 44 g
- Fat
- 11 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does pazham pori take?
- About 25 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of very ripe nendran bananas?
- Mango, same weight (in smoothies and shakes).
- What can I use instead of plain flour (maida)?
- Self-raising flour, same amount (then leave out the baking powder).
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