Sharkara Varatti | Sarkara Varatti | Sweet Banana With Jaggery – Video
Delight in the Traditional Taste of Sharkara Varatti
Introduction to Sharkara Varatti
Sharkara Varatti, also known as Sarkara Varatti or Sweet Banana with Jaggery is a traditional Kerala delicacy that perfectly captures the essence of the region’s culinary heritage. This sweet snack is a staple in every Kerala household, especially during festive occasions like Onam. Made from raw banana or plantain coated with jaggery, the dish offers a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch, making it a beloved treat among all age groups.
The Cultural Significance
Sharkara Varatti holds a special place in the hearts of Keralites. This sweet snack is an integral part of the Onam Sadya, the grand feast that marks the harvest festival of Onam. The dish symbolizes prosperity and joy, as it is prepared with ingredients that are easily available during the harvest season. The preparation of the sweet snack (Sharkara Upperi), is an art in itself, with the jaggery syrup perfectly caramelized to coat each banana slice, ensuring a rich and consistent flavor in every bite.
Why Sharkara Varatti is a Must-Try
For those who appreciate traditional sweets, the dish is a must-try. The combination of crispy banana slices and the deep, earthy sweetness of jaggery creates a snack that is both satisfying and wholesome. Jaggery, being a natural sweetener, adds a unique flavor that is not only delicious but also healthier compared to refined sugar. Additionally, bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, making the snack a nutritious choice for those looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat.
Conclusion
Sharkara Varatti is more than just a snack, it’s a journey into the rich culinary traditions of Kerala. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of an Onam Sadya or as a sweet treat during tea time, this dish offers an authentic taste of Kerala that is hard to resist. Experience the unique flavors of this traditional delicacy and bring a piece of Kerala into your home with every bite of Sharkara Varatti.
Sharkara Varatti | Sarkara Varatti | Sweet Banana With Jaggery - Video
Ingredients
- 2 Nos. Unripe Plantains (Medium sized) Ethakka
- 150 g Jaggery Sharkkara
- 1/2 Glass Sour Curd
- 250 g Coconut Oil
For Preparing Spice Mix:
- 6 Nos. Cardamom Elakka
- 1 Tsp Cumin seeds Jeerakam
- 1 Tsp Dry Ginger powder Chukku
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
Instructions
- For preparing the tasty snack, first peel off the skin of the plantains.
- To remove stain, immerse in turmeric and salt mixed water for 30 minutes.(Optional: You can also pour sour curd into water to get rid of the plantains serum)
- After 30 minutes, scrape the banana with a spoon to remove stains.
- Cut the banana in half and make quarter inch pieces. Put it back in the turmeric water and leave it for 15 minutes to remove the stains.
For Frying Banana:
- Heat a kadai on medium flame and add enough coconut oil to fry the banana pieces.
- It will take around 10 minutes to become golden in LOW flame. Increase the flame to MEDIUM at the end and remove the pieces when crispy.
- Let it cool.
To Prepare Spice Mix:
- Take 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds in a mixer.
- Add 1 Tsp dried ginger powder(Chukku).
- Add 6 nos. cardamon and 2 tbsp sugar. Grind and powder it. Keep this aside.
To Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
- Once the jaggery has fully melted, strain the syrup to a kadai. Boil and make the syrup little thick.
- Add 1 Tbsp of the prepared spice powder and mix well in low flame.
- Stir in the fried banana chips and mix well until the pieces are coated well with the jaggery syrup. Again add rest of the spice powder and mix well.
- Switch off, mix well and coat well. If the pieces are sticking, separate them. Enjoy Sharkara Varatti.
- Enjoy the tasty and nutritious snack dish with a cup of hot tea. This is one of the most popular snack dishes in Kerala.
Video
Notes
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Thank you for the tasty recipe..
thank u rugmini, te recipe was excellent. i was searching for the sarkkara varatti recipe every where. now i got it. thanks again.
keep posting variety recipies.
Wow what a tasty sharkara varatti, amazing