BANANA BAJJI: The Crunchy Village Delight That’ll Make You Go Bananas!
Gather ‘round, food lovers, because it’s about to get deliciously crispy in here! Today, we dive into the magical world of Banana Bajji, or as the locals affectionately call it, Valakkai Bajji. This scrumptious South Indian snack is the kind of treat that could make a monkey throw away its banana—seriously!
The Village Vibe
Picture this: the sun setting, a gentle breeze rustling through the banana trees, and the enticing aroma of deep-fried goodness wafting through the air. In our quaint village, the evening is incomplete without a hot cup of tea and a plate of these for your munching pleasure. Trust me, the crunchiness paired with a cup of chai is like peanut butter meeting jelly—pure magic!
Ingredients: The Cast of Characters
- Raw Plantains (Valakkai): 2-3, peeled and sliced (like the dreams you’ve had about finding the perfect snack)
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup (the superhero cape for our batter)
- Rice Flour: ½ cup (for that extra crisp—think of it as an added blessing from the snack gods)
- Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp (for color and good vibes)
- Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp (spice things up, baby!)
- Asafoetida (Hing): a pinch (because every snack needs that dramatic flair)
- Salt: to taste (because we all know flavor is everything)
- Water: as needed (to bring it all together)
- Oil: for frying (enough to swim in!)
Instructions: The Art of Bajji Making
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Slice and Dice: Start by peeling those plantains and slicing them into thin pieces. Aim for even slices—unless you have a mini-scissors contest in mind!
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Batters Up!: In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. Mix well, and add just enough water to create a thick batter. It should be thicker than your auntie’s gossip!
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Dippity-Doo-Da: Heat oil in a deep frying pan (a woodfire stove adds that magical village touch!). Once it’s hot enough for a dance-off with the bubbles, dip each slice of plantain into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated.
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Fry-Tastic: Gently slide the battered plantains into the hot oil. Fry them in batches—like sharing secrets with friends—until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remember, patience is the key; no one likes a rushed bajji!
- Drain and Devour: Use a slotted spoon to lift the bajjis out of the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool for a moment (if you can resist) before diving in.
Notes from the Village Kitchen
- Spice Levels: If you like your snacks with a kick, increase the red chili powder. Need more room for drama? Add some chopped green chilies into the batter!
- Extras: For an additional flavor burst, toss in some chopped coriander or curry leaves. Just don’t add an actual banana—this is a bajji party, not a fruit bowl!
- Serving Suggestion: These bajjis pair beautifully with a tangy dip, like chutney or ketchup, but who are we kidding? They’re perfect with just your bare hands and some tea!
The Grand Finale
So there you have it! Your ultimate guide to crafting the crunchy, crispy, and utterly irresistible Banana Bajji. As you enjoy this traditional village delicacy, remember to savor the moment—because, just like that satisfying crunch, life is all about the crispy bits! Now go on and indulge; it’s time to get your fry on!
Watch the video by Village Cooking Channel
Video “BANANA BAJJI | Banana Fry | Valakkai Bajji Recipe Cooking in Village | Tasty Plantain Evening Snack” was uploaded on 06/02/2025 to Youtube Channel Village Cooking Channel