Indian cuisine is diverse in itself. It is like several cuisines within one! Food of every region and state has different taste and unique characteristics. When you closely look at them, you will find a lovely combination of same ingredients in various ways. And outcome of the same is of course worth appreciating. In this context, we will be focusing on traditional Kerala snacks which are famous worldwide. The richness and soothing flavors of coconut in Kerala snacks are worth giving a try. So let us talk about some of the favorite snacks from Kerala and know about them in detail.
Banana chips
One cannot talk about Kerala cuisine without mentioning banana chips at least once. It is one of the most loved Kerala snacks for kids. The crunchiness and amazing flavor of banana chips is unbeatable. One can definitely not stop themselves from falling in love with this snack. There are different recreations of banana chips if you want to bring about a twist in your usual routine of snacks.
Talking about nutritional value of banana chips, it has potassium that comes from banana. This helps in regulating the blood pressure and ionic balance of our body. Also, we know that banana chips are fried in coconut oil. Hence, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of coconut will also increase the immunity. One can sprinkle some pepper/black salt/table salt over these chips and enjoy with hot or coffee.
Sweet banana chips
As we talk about banana chips, it would be unfair if we didn’t mention about the sweet ones. Yes, these are special banana chips which are prominently available in Kerala. While the salty ones are made with raw bananas, these are prepared with ripened ones. Hence, the sweetness quotient remains intact.
The ripened bananas are sliced and fried in coconut oil with added sugar. Hints of spices are also added in some cases to enhance the taste of this wonderful Kerala snacks. It is served by Malayalis on all occasions ranging from festivals to house parties and marriages. Again, the nutrition and minerals of banana gets retained in these sweet chips.
Sharkara Varatti
Talking about the recreations of banana chips, one cannot miss out on this mouth watering Kerala snacks. It is a unique version of banana chips which is coated with jaggery and has flavors of ginger and cardamom. It is exclusively restocked for the festival of Onam and is loved by every resident of South India. These are prepared by making slightly thick slices of raw bananas and are fried in coconut oil until they turn golden brown. It is coated with appropriate consistency of jaggery which is fused with flavors of ginger and cardamom.
Looking at the nutritional value, we all know that jaggery gives required warmth to body and helps in maintaining the metabolic activities. On the other hand, ginger is also one of the best anti-inflammatory substances which can also provide immunity against mild infections. Cardamom is another magical ingredient which can cure intestinal problems and constipation.
Kerala pakkavada
Kerala snacks are incomplete without this delicious savory that comes in various shapes and sizes. The best of all is this Kerala pakkavada. It is a crunchy and little bit spicy which can please your taste buds in just one bite. Mostly seen in ribbon shape, this snack can also be consumed alongside spicy biryani or usual fried rice.
It is prepared with a blend of rice flour as well as chickpea flour (besan) kneaded into a semi solid dough. Chilli, turmeric, and some salt are added to bring about a wonderful taste in this Kerala snacks. There are equipments available in market through which it oozes out in ribbon shape. The best part about this snack, is that it gets cooked in less oil and is also very healthy and tasty.
Kerala mixture
Did someone say Kerala mixtures? Yes! How can we leave this behind? Mixtures and its unique elements have been favorite snacks to binge upon since forever. The roasted peanuts, the fried curry leaves and flavor of garlic is unforgettable at any cost.
These are prepared and fried separately and then mixed with each other to form a perfect blend of Kerala snacks in one platter. Any get together, party, or festival is dull without Kerala mixture. People from across the Indian subcontinent have expressed their fondness towards this mixture and they have totally loved its taste.
After exploring these five favorite Kerala snacks, many of you must have already ordered it online. We are lucky enough, because we can buy Kerala snacks online without much difficulty. So we would love to know which one of these are your favorite Kerala snacks. Share your feedback with us and we will come up with another exciting blog for you.