Kaya Upperi
Veg
Vegan
Crispy fried raw banana (kaya) slices, salted and sometimes lightly spiced. Kerala's most iconic snack — sold in every tea shop and packed in tins as a beloved gift — the nendran variety is most prized for its thick, starchy crunch.
Cuisines
Travancore
Kerala
Kerala Christian
Malabar
Best for
Snacks
Breakfast
Recipe
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 2 cups | raw plantains |
| 1 cup | coconut oil |
| 1 teaspoon | turmeric powder |
| — | salt to taste |
Instructions
- 1 Peel the plantains and slice them into thin, even pieces.
- 2 Heat the coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- 3 Add the sliced plantains to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- 4 Remove the fried plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 5 Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the fried plantains while they are still hot.
- 6 Toss the plantains gently to ensure even coating of turmeric and salt.
- 7 Serve the Kaya Upperi warm or at room temperature as a snack or side dish.
Tips
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the plantains to achieve a crispy texture.