Tried The Kerala Style Banana Candy, Sharkara Varatti?

Onam is here and this 10-day festival is celebrated by Malayalis to honour much loved and kind-hearted King Mahabali. It is believed that King Mahabali returns to Kerala during this harvest festival. This festival is an emotion and now we know why. It brings so much enthusiasm, excitement and so much delicious food with it. We cannot disagree on this, there is nothing that can beat the aura of Onam Sadhya. Let us tell you that traditionally 26 or more vegetarian dishes are prepared for Onam with over 60 ingredients and served on banana leaves. Amazing, isn’t it? 

 If you know even a little about South Indian food, you must know about banana chips. Banana chips are made up of raw bananas and are known for their great taste and crunch. It is not only consumed in Kerala but in the entire country. There is one type of Kerala banana chip that you might not know. We are talking about Sharkara Varatti which is an essential part of the Onam Sadhya feast. These are not your regular banana chips but one coated with jaggery and have a sweet-bland-salty flavour. These chips look like shakarpara, all North Indians know what we are talking about.  

Sharkara varatti is an easy-to-make thing and is considered a perfect snack for sugar cravings, especially the midnight ones. These could also be stored in air-tight containers and can stay good for at least 5 to 6 days. This Onam, you can make them at home. Follow these steps and have these delicious banana chips on your plate in no time. Have a look. 

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups raw bananas (de-skinned and cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup jaggery 
  • 1 tbsp rice flour 
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp ginger powder 
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • Oil to fry 

Method 

  • Take the cut banana cubes and soak them in warm water for 5 minutes. 
  • When done, strain them and keep them aside. 
  • Take a pan and add rice flour. 
  • Dry roast flour on medium flame. Make sure you keep stirring it unless it will burn. 
  • When done, keep it aside as well. 
  • Take another pan and add oil.
  • Now deep fry the banana cubes until they turn brown and crispy. 
  • Take one more and add water to it.  
  • Add jaggery into the water and let it boil.
  • Let it boil until you see a honey-like consistency.
  • Add ginger powder, cumin powder, and cardamom powder to the water and stir. 
  • Now, add fried banana chips to the jaggery syrup and cook. 
  • Let it cook until the jaggery syrup absorbs completely. 
  • When done, turn off the flame and add roasted flour. Flour is added to prevent the sticky texture.
  • Mix well.  
  • Your sharkara varatti is ready. 

Happy Onam!