Aratikaya Vepudu | Crisp Raw Banana Fry | Vazhakkai Varuval

Aratikaya Vepudu or crisp raw banana fry from Andhra Pradesh is just my absolute favourite way of enjoying raw banana.

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Crisp, spicy Aratikaya Vepudu with Perugu Annam (Curd Rice) is just what makes a comfort meal for me. Done properly, the result is crisp and beautifully browned pieces of banana that are soft inside.

In Andhra Pradesh, we eat these crisp Raw Banana Fry with plain rice topped with sesame oil, or then as an accompaniment to Pappu Pulusu Annam (Andhra Style Dal with Tamarind mixed in rice) or Curd Rice. If you are like me or my brother, you may even eat this stir-fry as a snack. 😀

Tips to Make The Perfect Crisp Aratikaya Vepudu

• Patience. They key to getting the perfectly crisp banana fry is loads of patience. You really need stir-fry this on a low to medium flame and that takes time.
• Do not cover the stir-fry even after it is done. If you are cooking it in advance, you can cover it after it has completely cooled to room temperature.
• Use a large kadhai or wok, such that all banana pieces for a maximum of 2 layers. If you use a small kadhai, the pieces will not fry well.
• Use absolutely raw bananas of the type shown in the picture below. The cross-section of these bananas is essentially triangular.
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• Use green, firm raw bananas. The skin should be a vibrant green and not have traces of yellow, which indicates that the banana has started to ripen.
• We make this stir-fry just before we sit down for a meal so that we can enjoy it straight off the kadhai. If you keep it for long, it tends to soften. While it still tastes good, it looses the crispness that makes it so desirable. 

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I had first posted this recipe in 2013, and then I updated it in 2014. I am once again updating it, after oh-so-many-years! 🙂

How to Make Aratikaya Vepudu

1. Peel and cut 2 raw bananas into 1/2″ cubes. I got about 1.5 cups of chopped banana pieces.
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2. In a heavy-bottomed kadai/wok, over medium flame, heat 1 tbsp of oil.
3. Add the chopped raw banana pieces and mix well.
4. Over medium heat, fry till the bananas pieces turn golden brown.Pin
5. Turn off the heat.
6. Add 1/2 tsp chilli powder and salt to taste.
7. Mix well.
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8. Serve immediately with rice.

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Recipe for Aratikaya Vepudu | Vazhakkai Varuval

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Aratikaya Vepudu | Crisp and Spicy Raw Banana Fry | Vazhakkai Varuval

Aruna

Aratikaya Vepudu is a crisp and spicy Raw Banana Fry from Andra Pradesh. Super simple to make, all you need is some patience to achieve perfection. 🙂 Called Vazhakkai Vazhuval in Tamil Nadu, this crunchy plantain fry make for the perfect side dish for Sambar Rice or Curd Rice.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 2 People

Calories 282 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large Wok
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 Aratikaya, Plantain, Raw Banana
• 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1 tbsp Oil
• Salt to Taste

Instructions

 

• Peel and cut 2 raw bananas into 1/2″ cubes. I got about 1.5 cups of chopped banana pieces.
• In a heavy-bottomed kadai/wok, over medium flame, heat 1 tbsp of oil.
• Add the chopped raw banana pieces.
• Over medium heat, fry till the bananas pieces turn golden brown.
• Turn off the heat.
• Add 1/2 tsp chilli powder and salt to taste, and mix well.
• Serve the crisp and spicy Aratikaya Vepudu immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 282 kcalCarbohydrates: 57 gProtein: 2 gFat: 8 gSaturated Fat: 1 gTrans Fat: 1 gSodium: 306 mgPotassium: 903 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 27 gVitamin A: 2166 IUVitamin C: 33 mgCalcium: 7 mgIron: 1 mg

Tried this recipe?Do let me know how you liked it @aahaaram or tag #aahaaram!