Vazhakkai Fry
Crispy, spiced slices of raw plantain shallow-fried to perfection. This simple South Indian side dish is a fantastic accompaniment to sambar rice or rasam, offering a delightful crunch and savory flavor.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Plantains
- b.Wash the raw plantains thoroughly. Trim both ends and peel the thick green skin using a peeler or a knife.
- c.Slice the plantains into uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.
- d.Immediately place the slices into a bowl of water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Parboil the Slices
- b.In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Drain the plantain slices from the bowl and carefully add them to the boiling water.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are about 70% cooked. They should be slightly tender but still firm and hold their shape. Do not overcook, or they will become mushy.
- e.Carefully drain all the water and spread the parboiled slices on a plate or tray in a single layer to cool down and dry slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Masala Paste
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the red chili powder, coriander powder, the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, rice flour, besan, asafoetida, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- c.Add 2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, and mix well to form a thick, smooth paste without lumps.
- d.Gently take each parboiled plantain slice and coat it evenly with the masala paste on all sides. Place the coated slices back on the plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Plantain
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or tawa over medium heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers slightly.
- c.Carefully arrange the masala-coated plantain slices in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
- e.Flip each slice gently and fry for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it is equally crisp and cooked through.
- f.Once done, remove the fried slices with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Vazhakkai Fry hot as a side dish with sambar rice, rasam rice, or curd rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak the sliced plantains in water immediately after cutting to prevent them from turning black.
- 2Do not overcook the plantains during the parboiling step. They should be firm enough to hold their shape during frying.
- 3Ensure the parboiled slices are relatively dry before applying the masala paste. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier fry.
- 4Fry in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This allows each piece to cook evenly and become perfectly crisp.
- 5For a more traditional flavor, use coconut oil for frying.
- 6A pinch of fennel powder or garam masala can be added to the spice mix for a different flavor profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-oil version, arrange the masala-coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the coated slices in a single layer in the basket. Spray with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Spice VariationSpice Variation
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste to the masala for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of fennel powder for a distinct aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Raw plantains are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Good Source of Potassium
Plantains are packed with potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and support proper heart and muscle function.
Boosts Immunity
Containing a good amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, plantains can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections and diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Vazhakkai Fry is moderately healthy. Raw plantains are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, this recipe involves shallow frying, which adds calories from oil. For a healthier alternative, you can bake or air fry the plantain slices.