Have the bananas overripe? Then make this special dish!

Malabar Special Unnakaya Recipe (Banana Stuffed Snack)

Unnakaya is a delicious Malabar snack made with ripe bananas and a sweet coconut filling. It’s a must-try for banana lovers!

Ingredients:

For the Outer Cover:

• 3 ripe bananas (Nendran variety)
• 1 teaspoon ghee

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup sugar or jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews & raisins
• 1 teaspoon ghee

For Frying:

• Oil (for deep frying)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

1. Steam or boil the ripe bananas (with skin) for about 10 minutes until soft.
2. Peel off the skin and remove the black seeds from the center.
3. Mash well into a smooth dough-like consistency. Add 1 tsp ghee to make it soft. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Coconut Filling

1. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan.
2. Add grated coconut, sugar/jaggery, and cardamom powder. Stir well.
3. Add chopped cashews & raisins and sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Once the mixture turns aromatic, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff

1. Take a small portion of the banana dough and flatten it in your palm.
2. Place a spoonful of the sweet coconut filling in the center.
3. Carefully roll and seal the edges, shaping it into an oval (Unnakaya shape).

Step 4: Deep Fry

1. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the Unnakayas until golden brown.
2. Remove from oil and drain excess oil using a tissue paper.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a cup of chai or coffee!
• Best enjoyed as an iftar snack or evening tea-time delicacy.