Sharkara varatti is a traditional Kerala sweet that is prepared with Raw Nendran Banana. Crispy fried banana is coated on a jaggery syrup.
Traditional sweets are always the best. Sarkara varatti or upperi is one such. Sarkaa Upperi literally translates to Sweet Chips. Sarkara in Malayalam is sweet and Upperi means Chips. Now let's see how to prepare the most traditional Onam Spl Sharkara upperi.
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What is Sharkara upperi
Banana Sharkara Upperi is a traditional kerala food that is prepared for the grand Onasadhya. It has Nenedran banana, Jaggery with few spices. Traditionally coconut oil is preferred for frying the banana. The fried banana is then coated over a jaggery syrup flavored with cardamom, Cumin, and Dry ginger.
However this sharkara varatti is not to be confused with Chakka Varatti. Chakka varatti is jackfruit preserve or jam . Sharakara Varati is deep fried chips that are coated with sharkara. Sharkaka in Malayalam is jaggery.
Ingredients :
Nendran Variety Banana - These are the best plantain variety to prepare the sharkara upperi. They are long and yellowish. They are available in all the Kerala groceries or most of the Indian stores. It is also very good for kids and toddlers. I usually make chips with raw plantain or Kheer with ripe plantain for the festivals.
Jaggery - Gud or gur is the best sweetener for the upperi. They melt and for a caramelized layer beautifully over the deep fried chips.
Dry ginger powder, Cumin powder, Cardamom - They blend beautifully and give an awesome taste to the recipe.Also the spices aid in digestion.
Rice Flour - It acts as a thickening agent and gives a beautiful texture. You can use fine roasted rice flour or even idiyappam flour here.
How to make sarkara varatti
1.Peel the skin of the banana. Chop them into two pieces and then slice them into two ling pieces. Next slice them into ½ inch thick pieces. It is like the shape of a half moon.
2. Heat coconut oil in a pan for deep frying.Once it's hot drop in the sliced raw banana in batches and deep fry.
3. cook in a medium flame and fry till they are crisp.
4.Slowly the sshh sound in the oil is gone and the chips are cooked.Once they are cooked crisp. Drain them from hot oil and place them in paper towels to remove the excess oil.
5. In a pan add in the Jaggery and Water. Cook till the jaggery dissolves.
6. Add in Dry ginger powder, Cardamom powder, and Roasted Cumin Powder. Combine everything and cook till the jaggery syrup bubbles and become slightly thick.
7. When the syrup becomes slightly thick and has a flowing consistency like honey add in the fried raw banana chips. Combine everything togther such that the chips are fully coated over the jaggery syrup. Combine everything well.
8.Now switch off the flame and add in the Rice flour. Mix well such that it fully covers the Jaggery coated banana chips.
Sharkara Varatti is ready to serve
Tips & Variations
- I am using organic jaggery without any impurities and hence I am using it directly without sieving.
- If using normal Jaggery sieve the Jaggery liquid once it dissolves in water and then continue cooking.
- Use fine roasted rice flour.
Serving Suggestions
It is usually served during the Onam Sadhya. A Sadhya is incomplete without the sharkara upperi. It also goes well as an after meal dessert.
Storage Suggestions
Store the sharkara varatti in a air tiht container. It stays good for up to 10 days.
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📖 Recipe
Sharkara Varatti
Ingredients
- 3 Nendran Banana raw
- 1.25 cup Jaggery
- ½ cup Water
- 1 tsp Dry Ginger Powder
- ½ tsp Roasted cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
- 1 tbsp Rice Flour
Instructions
- Peel the skin of the banana. Chop them into two pieces and then slice them into two ling pieces. Next slice them into ½ inch thick pieces. It is like the shape of a half moon.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan for deep frying.Once it's hot drop in the sliced raw banana in batches and deep fry.
- cook in a medium flame and fry till they are crisp.
- Slowly the sshh sound in the oil is gone and the chips are cooked.
- Once they are cooked crisp. Drain them from hot oil and place them in paper towels to remove the excess oil.
- In a pan add in the Jaggery and Water. Cook till the jaggery dissolves.
- Add in Dry ginger powder, Cardamom powder, and Roasted Cumin Powder. Combine everything and cook till the jaggery syrup bubbles and become slightly thick.
- When the syrup becomes slightly thick and has a flowing consistency like honey add in the fried raw banana chips. Combine everything togther such that the chips are fully coated over the jaggery syrup. Combine everything well.
- Now switch off the flame and add in the Rice flour. Mix well such that it fully covers the Jaggery coated banana chips. Sharkara Varatti is ready to serve
Video
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
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