Banana Kaps
A delightful Goan tea-time snack where sweet banana slices are coated in a crispy semolina crust and fried to golden perfection. It's a simple, quick, and utterly delicious treat that everyone will love.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the bananas
- b.Peel the bananas.
- c.Slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the batter
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the semolina (rava), rice flour, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- c.Mix the dry ingredients well.
- d.Gradually add water while stirring continuously to form a thick, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the banana slices.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat the banana slices
- b.Dip each banana slice into the batter.
- c.Ensure each slice is evenly and completely coated on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow fry the kaps
- b.Heat ghee or oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully place the batter-coated banana slices in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp.
- e.Flip the slices and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are evenly golden and crispy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and serve
- b.Remove the fried banana kaps from the pan using a slotted spoon.
- c.Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- d.Serve immediately while they are hot and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will turn mushy during frying.
- 2The batter consistency is key. If it's too thin, it won't stick to the bananas; if it's too thick, the coating will be too heavy.
- 3Fry on medium heat to ensure the banana cooks through and the coating becomes crisp without burning.
- 4For the best texture, serve the banana kaps immediately after frying.
- 5You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg powder to the batter for a different flavor profile.
- 6To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, use oil instead of ghee for frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is easily made vegan by using vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of ghee for frying.
gluten freeGluten free
To make it gluten-free, replace the semolina with an equal amount of coarse rice flour or a mix of rice flour and fine cornmeal.
healthyHealthy
For a healthier version, pan-fry with a minimal spray of oil or cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Skip the sugar in the batter if the bananas are very sweet. You can serve them with a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce as a special treat for kids.