Kerala Style - Banana Chips

I have memories of packets of 'patticums' - Kerala Style Banana Chips from Kannur being secretly eaten in Dubai, I would savour every morsel. My uncle, who happens to be my god- father would send me large brown packets in return for boxes of kit kat. 

The poor man lost all his teeth but would still manage to eat the chocolate draped wafers. I miss him. He was a kind man, who served the British Raj during World War II in the Indian Segement of the Navy. He never spoke of those days and the events he faced. In addition, after the war was over he served India as a 'Freedom Fighter' he was a brilliant mind and passed in his 80's, which was still to young for me. 

I wander through the Jan Powers Market held in the City every Wednesday and more often than not come across Green Cooking Bananas and was tempted to try and make banana chips myself. This is the recipe I used.

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon salt

Splash of white vinegar

4 tablespoons water

3 peeled and finely sliced green cooking bananas

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 glass water

cooking oil (as much as required)

Method:

Dissolve first three ingredients and set aside.

Add turmeric in water and immediately immerse the sliced bananas in the mixture.

Dry the banana slices.

Add the oil to a heavy bottomed pan and heat your oil on medium. Drop the bananas in batches adding the dissolved salt/vinegar mixture. 

The pan will sizzle and splutter so make you you have a lid to defend yourself with.

Fry till cooked and crisp.

Place the banana chips on a paper towel to remove the excess oil.

Store in an air tight container.

Enjoy at tea time!