From Pazham Pori to Banana Halwa: Keralas best banana Desserts
Kerala, the southern state of India, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and its desserts are no exception. From the crispy, golden-brown Pazham Pori to the rich, creamy Banana Halwa, Kerala's banana desserts are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
New Delhi: Kerala, also known as the land of coconuts and spices, boasts some of the banana-based desserts that are a must-try for every food-lover. Banana, especially the Nendran variety, is a key ingredient in many Kerala cuisine. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. From crispy sweet banana fritters to rich banana halwas, some desserts have a delightful mix of textures and flavours.
Pazham Pori (banana fritters), Unniyappam (sweet banana dumplings), Ethakka Halwa (banana halwa), and Paal Pazham (banana in coconut milk) are some of the must-try banana desserts hailing from Kerala. Each of these dishes has a unique taste and is prepared during celebrations, temple offerings, or simply as comfort food.
Best banana desserts from Kerala that are must-try
Kerala is well-known for its mouthwatering banana-based desserts. Here are six traditional banana desserts from Kerala that are a must-try:
1. Pazham Pori (Banana fritters)
It is one of the most popular tea-time snacks hailing from Kerala. Pazham Pori is made by slicing ripe Nendran bananas and then dipping them in a sweetened flour batter and deep-frying until they turn golden brown. Crispy on the outside and soft from within, this treat pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai.
2. Ethakka Appam (Banana pancakes)
This is made by mixing mashed ripe bananas, rice flour, jaggery, and cardamom. These small pancakes are pan-fried in ghee and have a rich caramelised taste.
3. Unniyappam (Banana and rice sweet dumplings)
Mainly prepared during the festival, this delicacy is prepared using rice flour, mashed bananas, jaggery, and coconut. These are then deep-fried in a special pan to give it a round shape. They have a soft, spongy surface with a slightly crispy outer layer.
4. Ethakka Varattiyathu (Banana halwa)
It is a rich and chewy dessert made by cooking ripe bananas with ghee, jaggery, and cardamom until it forms a thick halwa-like consistency. It has a deep caramelised flavour and is fondly loved by people.
5. Nendran Chips (Banana chips with jaggery coating)
Unlike its savoury version, this version of the banana chips is deep-fried and then coated with a thick jaggery syrup which is flavoured with dry ginger and cumin. It is a crunchy and addictive snack that is fondly enjoyed by people.
6. Paal Pazham (Banana with coconut milk and jaggery)
Paal Pazham is a flavourful dessert made by mashing ripe bananas and then mixing them with thick coconut milk with jaggery. Garnished with cardamom and nuts, it is a creamy dish which is mildly sweet, and perfect who like light desserts.
Whether you are a fan of sweet treats or simply love exploring, these banana-based delicacies will never fail to impress you. The authentic flavours and aromatic spices present in them ensure a delightful experience for every food enthusiast."