Kerala is famous for its wide variety of delicious traditional snacks, and banana chips are a true crowd-pleaser! Made from thinly sliced bananas that are fried to crispy perfection, they deliver a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. These chips are a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages in Kerala and are a perfect way to experience a taste of Kerala’s culinary heritage
These chips are perfect for any time of day and ideal for all celebrations. Enjoy them as an evening tea-time snack, a healthy daytime pick-me-up, or even a delightful side dish during Kerala Sadhya feasts.
Recipe of Kerala Banana Chips
for 100 gm kerala banana chips
Ingredients
- Raw banana (74%)
- Virgin coconut oil(25%)
- Refined salt(1%)
Recipe
- Start by washing the bananas thoroughly and peeling them, then soak them in water to remove all starch and get clean
- Slice the bananas as thinly as you can manage.
- Heat the oil in a pan until it’s hot enough for frying, then carefully add the banana slices.
- Once the banana slices are cooked to perfection, sprinkle some salt over them.
Finally, remove the banana chips from the oil and enjoy your crispy snack.
Kerala’s authentic banana chips are prepared from a special type of banana called Nendran, also known as Nendranghai or Plantain bananas. These bananas are grown mainly in the southern region of India, particularly in Kerala. Nendran bananas are hailed as the “King of Bananas” due to their robust texture, elongated shape, and remarkable nutritional value, notably renowned for their prebiotic properties. Enjoyed as a popular snack, these banana chips offer a delicious blend of flavor and health benefits unique to the rich culture of Kerala
Choose the Best Banana for Making Chips.
Plantains are integral traditional Asian cooking, where they are used in a variety of dishes ranging from savory curries to sweet desserts. Their versatility lies in their ability to adapt to different cooking methods and flavors.
Nutritionally, plantains offer a range of benefits. They are rich in complex carbohydrates,providing sustained energy levels, and are also high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. Additionally, plantains contain essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, which support overall health and immune function.
When used to make banana chips, plantains offer several advantages. They retain their natural sweetness when ripe,requiring minimal or no added sugars, making them a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. Furthermore, plantain banana chips can be fried in heart-healthy oils like coconut oil, providing a satisfying crunch without excessive saturated fats.
In Kerala’s traditional banana chip preparation, green, unripe plantains are preferred. These plantains are firm and starchy, lending themselves well to thin slicing and deep-frying to achieve the characteristic crispy texture of Kerala banana chips. Their mild flavor and firm texture make them ideal for absorbing the flavors of the cooking oil and any seasoning added during the frying process, resulting in a delicious snack enjoyed by many.
When choosing plantains, opt for firm and heavy green ones for cooking, like making plantain chips.Ripe plantains, which turn yellow with brown or black spots, are softer and sweeter, resembling bananas. They ripen in a few days at room temperature. Avoid purchasing bruised, overripe, or peeled plantains
Benefits of Banana Chips in Healthy Diet
Kerala banana chips cooked in virgin coconut oil, especially made from nadan nendran (plantain) bananas, offer several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet
- May Aid Weight Loss:Banana chips can aid in weight loss as they provide a satisfying crunch and flavor without the excess calories of traditional fried snacks. Made from bananas, which are naturally low in fat and rich in fiber, banana chips can help keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating
- Nutrient-rich: Nendran bananas are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. When cooked into chips, these nutrients are retained, providing a tasty snack with added health benefits.
- High in Fiber: Bananas, including the nendran variety, are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate bowel movements, contributing to digestive health.
- Low in Calories: Banana chips cooked in virgin coconut oil tend to have fewer calories compared to other fried snacks. This makes them a suitable option for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
- Source of Healthy Fats: Virgin coconut oil is known for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are considered beneficial fats. These fats can provide a quick source of energy and may help improve cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
- Antioxidant Properties: Both bananas and coconut oil contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly: Kerala banana chips are naturally gluten-free and suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. They also don’t contain common allergens like dairy or nuts, making them a versatile snack option for many people.
- Promotes Heart Health: The combination of potassium from bananas and the healthy fats in virgin coconut oil can help support heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while the MCTs in coconut oil may have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels.
- Satiety: Despite being low in calories, banana chips cooked in coconut oil can be quite satisfying due to their fiber and fat content. They can help you avoid taking intermediate meals and prevent overeating.
- Enjoyable Snacking Option: Incorporating healthier snack options like Kerala banana chips into your diet can make it easier to stick to a balanced eating plan. Their delicious flavor and crunchy texture make them a satisfying alternative to less nutritious snacks.
Adverse Effects:It is not likely that you would experience adverse effects from consuming banana chips
Even though banana chips offer numerous health benefits, they provide essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins. While one bowl may not suffice, incorporating banana chips into your diet can contribute to overall energy levels and nutritional intake. Consuming a considerable quantity of chips can serve as a quick, convenient, and affordable source of energy, making them an excellent snack choice for busy lifestyles.
Choosing the wrong product for your cravings can lead to consuming high levels of fat, added sugar, and other chemical ingredients, despite the health benefits that banana chips offer. Baking your own banana chips at home allows you to control or eliminate added sugar, catering to your taste and health requirements.Or you can opt for homemade, authentic Kerala banana chips, which not only add nutritional value but also enhance your healthy diet plan.
Kerala authentic style banana chips are made from nendran bananas(plantains) without any added sugar or color. Cooked in virgin coconut oil, our chips are low in calories while preserving all their nutritious goodness.
Choose the Best Chips
When buying banana chips from the supermarket, be cautious because they store chips all year. Some brands add sugar, colors, and chemicals to extend shelf life. However, a few brands add salt for a savory flavor and use the right plantains (nendran bananas) for natural sweetness. Plantains are similar to bananas, and chips made from them taste almost like banana chips but are healthier.
In Kerala, nendran bananas are widely available in homes and grocery stores, making them affordable. You can make banana chips at home with minimal ingredients. If you’re busy or not in Kerala, you can buy homemade and fresh banana chips. Homemade banana chips are also available in most online stores.so you can also choose homemade, unsweetened banana chips
Be careful about
- Look for banana chips with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial colors for a healthier option.
- Opt for homemade banana chips whenever possible, as they’re likely to be made with natural ingredients and traditional methods.
- Ensure that the packaging follows food safety measures and guidelines to guarantee safe consumption.
- Check the packaging for storage dates to ensure freshness and quality
- When choosing banana chips, check the “best by” date and select ones that don’t require refrigeration for optimal freshness and convenience
- Consider buying from reputable brands or local producers known for their quality banana chips
Conclusion
Kerala banana chips have been a part of traditional cuisine in Kerala for generations. Consuming foods that have stood the test of time in various cultures often indicates inherent health benefits and nutritional value. Enjoying homemade banana chips not only satisfies your cravings but also offers health benefits like potassium and fiber. Remember to choose firm, unripe bananas for the best results, and with a little effort, you can create the perfect batch of crispy and nutritious homemade banana chips to enjoy anytime.