Banana Chips (Ethakka Upperi) - A healthy snacks

Banana Chips are an easy-to-prepare and cheap item in South India. Originated in Kerala and named Ethakka Upperi this one is prepared with raw or unripen banana, turmeric powder and salt. This is a relatively healthy snacks recipe which is quick to make and your kids will surely love it. And, of course it is better than potato chips on health front.The Raw banana is rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  The starch content present in raw banana will help in controlling blood sugar level and manage cholesterol.

Let’s start the recipe without any delay:-

Preparation Time: - 5 min

Cooking Time: - 15 min

Servings: - 5~6 persons

Ingredients:-

1. 2 Large Kanchkola / green banana (You can use Nendran Banana if you want)
2. 1 tsp Salt
3. ½ tsp Turmeric powder
4. 3 cup plain water
5. 1 tsp Black pepper /  1 tsp Red Chili powder (optional)
6. Coconut oil sufficient for deep frying. ( The original recipe is from Kerala and hence coconut oil is used but you can use any vegetable oil like Sunflower oil)

Preparation: -

1. Peel the skin of raw green banana or yellow Kerala / Nendran Banana. Grease your hand with little oil if it turns sticky.
2. Slice the Banana in circular shape.
3. Add turmeric powder and salt to water and soak the slices for 10 minutes.
4. Drain the water completely. You can keep them covered in dry cloth for some time to squeeze the last bit of water. I did the same.
5. Heat sufficient oil in a frying pan/Kadhai over high flame. When the oil is steaming hot put the burner in medium setting and add the slices of banana. Please do not add more numbers as they will stick together for want of space. Hence it is advisable to fry in batches of small number.
6. Deep fry the slices till they turn crispy.
   
7. Repeat the same process for the remaining slices.

Now your crispy and yummy banana chips are ready to consume.

Please note:-

1. You can prepare a paste of ½ tsp water and ¼ tsp salt. This needs to be carefully added to the hot oil before frying. The reason is to make the chips more crispy.
2. You can consume the chips hot or store in an airtight container for 15 days.

Serve hot as starter with Roti, Paratha or flavored/jeera rice. I even have it with hot coffee /tea as a snacks.

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