Sweet Fried Banana Slices
Sweet, ripe plantains sliced and pan-fried in fragrant ghee until caramelized and golden brown. A sprinkle of sugar and cardamom makes this a simple yet incredibly comforting South Indian snack or dessert, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Peel the ripe plantains and slice them into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick
- a.If the bananas are very long, you can also slice them lengthwise and then cut them into 2-inch pieces.
- 2
Fry the banana slices in ghee
- a.Heat the ghee in a wide, non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, carefully place the banana slices in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- 3
Remove the fried banana slices onto a plate
- a.Immediately sprinkle with sugar and cardamom powder while they are still hot.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve the sweet fried bananas warm as a snack or dessert.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe plantains (Nenthra Pazham) for the best flavor and texture. They should have black spots but still be firm to the touch.
- 2Do not slice the bananas too thin, or they might become mushy and break apart while frying.
- 3Ensure the ghee is hot enough before adding the bananas to get a nice golden crust without them absorbing too much oil.
- 4These are best served immediately while warm and slightly crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the ghee with coconut oil for a delicious, dairy-free version with a hint of coconut flavor.
healthyHealthy
Use only 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil and pan-sear the bananas. You can also skip the sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the ripe banana.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a special treat.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
Regular ripe bananas can be used instead of plantains if they are not available, though the texture will be softer. Use vegetable oil instead of ghee.