Pazham Pori, also known as Ethakka Appam, is a beloved snack from Kerala, the southern state of India. It features ripe plantains coated in a sweet batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. This simple yet delicious treat is often enjoyed with tea, making it a popular street food and household snack. Found in roadside tea shops, local bakeries, and during family gatherings, Pazham Pori holds a special place in Kerala's culinary tradition. The use of ripe plantains, which are rich in natural sugars, adds a unique flavor to this dish. Historically, it has been a go-to comfort food during Kerala's monsoon season, offering warmth and sweetness to counter the rainy weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plantains (medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Oil for deep frying
Method:
1. Prepare Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
2. Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to create a thick batter.
3. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
4. Coat & Fry: Dip each banana slice into the batter, ensuring an even coat. Gently place them in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain & Serve: Remove from the oil and place the fritters on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with tea or coffee.
Notes:
- Use plantains that are ripe but firm, to ensure they hold their shape while frying.
- For extra crispiness, adjust the rice flour ratio slightly higher.
- If you're looking for a healthier option, try shallow frying or air frying.
Nutrition Value:
1. 2 ripe plantains (medium)
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Potassium (400 mg)
- Nutritional benefit: High in fiber and potassium, supports digestion and blood pressure regulation.
2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Calories: 455
- Carbohydrates: 95 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Iron (8%)
- Nutritional benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy, low in fiber.
3. 1/4 cup rice flour
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Small amounts of potassium and iron
- Nutritional benefit: Gluten-free, adds crispiness to the fritters.
4. 1/4 cup sugar
- Calories: 194
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds sweetness, but contains empty calories.
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 239 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides fluffiness to the batter.
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor, use sparingly to control sodium intake.
7. 1/2 cup water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Hydrates batter, no caloric value.
8. Oil for deep frying
- Calories: Varies depending on type and amount absorbed
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: Varies (approx. 14 g per tablespoon for most oils)
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (if plant-based oil)
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds crispiness, should be used in moderation to control fat intake.
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