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In the 20th century, when people used to visit Kerala, they used to stock up on banana chips, not just for themselves but also for their friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Now this snack is available across the country and shipped to many parts of the world. The fruit is sliced into thin slices, dried, deep-fried, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and spice blends. It is known for its savoury-meets-sweet note that leaves you reaching for seconds and thirds. But if you are looking to eliminate the deep-frying process, you need an advanced appliance like Usha’s OTG for the job. With minimal use of oil, you can achieve the same level of crispiness in banana chips. Should you be looking to elevate your culinary skills, scroll down to read a few tips that will come in handy when preparing these chips in an OTG.
Cut Uniform Slices
For even baking, slice the banana uniformly. The thickness of every piece should be even, allowing you to bake and achieve the perfect texture. If you insert banana slices of uneven thickness, some will turn out crispy, others will either burn or turn soggy. You need the crunching sound when you bite into the chips, and that can only be achieved if all pieces can be baked at the same temperature.
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Bake In Batches
Don’t overcrowd the baking tray or pan. It will yield unevenly cooked slices of chips. Remember that when you are baking, banana slices will release some moisture and might stick to another slice. You must place each slice apart from the others and bake in batches. It might seem laborious, but trust the author if you want to achieve the perfect result at home. Making chips is more about patience than tips and tricks in the kitchen.
Also Read: A South Indian Mumbaikar's Diary
Choose Right Bananas
Be a minion when it comes to picking bananas for chips. Raw Nendran variety is considered the best for making this snack that often pairs well with strong cocktails. You can pick other varieties too, but they might not crisp up as well as you expect. For any snack or dish to cook well and come out with the perfect texture and notes, the variety of ingredients plays a crucial role.
Experiment With Flavours
If you go out today to purchase banana chips, you will have aisles comprising packets flaunting different flavours. From classic salt and pepper to sprinkled with peri peri spice blend, the choices available today are endless. Why should you restrict yourself to the kitchen? You can also experiment with the seasoning, sprinkle cinnamon powder on one batch or toss the chips with chaat masala in a bowl. Each bite will be a surprise for the taste buds.
Use Coconut Oil
The hallmark of Kerala’s banana chips is the nutty aroma and flavour that comes from the use of coconut oil. When baking in Usha’s OTG, drizzle the oil over slices before baking. You can brush the slices with coconut oil when they are crisping up. It will bring out the authentic flavour and enhance the taste.
