Vazhakkai Chips

Vazhakkai (Raw banana) chips are deep fried slices of raw banana. They are very easy to make and they serve as a great snack. I ran out of side for dinner last night and decided to make some raw banana chips. For those who don't know, vazhakkai chips can also be used as a side for sambar rice / rasam rice.

Ingredients:
Vazhakkai (Raw banana) - 1
Hing - couple of pinches
Red chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Oil - for deep frying
Mandoline slicer

Method:
Peel the outer layer of vazhakkai and let it sit in water for a while. Also, mix red chilli powder, salt & hing in a wide plate and keep it aside.

  

Heat oil in a deep pan, and after its heated & ready, take raw banana out of the water, dry it with a paper towel and start slicing them directly into the oil using a mandoline slicer. This needs a little practice & caution too, as oil will start to sizzle as we start slicing the raw bananas. Make sure the oil is not over-crowded with banana slices.

Wait until they turn golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to flip them and keep them from sticking. Now, strain out the fried bananas and when its still hot, toss them into the plate with chilli powder/salt and gently mix it with your fingers. Let it cool, and transfer them into airtight container.

Yummy, crunchy, spicy banana chips is ready!