Ethakka Appam (Ripe Banana Fritters)
Ripe Nendran bananas mashed and dipped in a spiced rice-flour batter, then deep-fried until golden for Kerala's favourite tea-time snack.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Equipment
- •Deep frying pan (kadai)
- •Mixing bowl
- •Slotted spoon
Nutrition
Per serving, approximate
- Calories
- 230 kcal
- fat
- 8 g
- carbs
- 38 g
- fibre
- 2 g
- protein
- 3 g
- calories
- 230 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Peel the ripe bananas into a bowl. Mash them thoroughly until smooth with only small lumps.
- 2
Add rice flour, all-purpose flour if using, sugar, cumin seeds, cardamom, turmeric and salt to the mashed banana.
- 3
Mix well. Add water gradually until you have a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
- 4
Leave the batter to rest for 10 minutes so the rice flour can absorb moisture.
- 5
Heat coconut oil in a deep pan until it is medium-hot.
- 6
Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Shape them into rough rounds with the back of the spoon.
- 7
Fry on medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. This takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- 8
Lift them out using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Chef's tips
Use fully ripe, sweet Nendran bananas with dark spots for the best flavour and sweetness. Keep the oil at a steady medium heat so the fritters cook inside without burning outside. Serve immediately for the best crisp texture.
Ingredient substitutions
- Nendran banana → any very ripe plantain variety
- coconut oil for frying → any neutral cooking oil, though flavour will differ
Storage
Best eaten fresh; can be kept at room temperature for a few hours in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat briefly in a hot pan or air fryer to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it turns them soggy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Using under-ripe bananas, which lack sweetness and make your batter too firm.
- •Frying in oil that is too hot, which browns the outside before the centre cooks through.
Serving suggestions
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