Name: Pazham Pori (Ethakka Appam) – Kerala‑Style Banana Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Kerala
Ingredients: 2 ripe Nendran bananas (or plantains); 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida); 2 tablespoons rice flour; 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional); ½ cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency); Oil for deep frying

Why You’ll Love Pazham Pori (Ethakka Appam) – Kerala‑Style Banana Fritters Recipe

This snack combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a crispy, golden batter that makes it irresistible. It’s simple to make and brings a nostalgic taste of South Indian street food to your kitchen. Pazham Pori pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee and is a crowd‑pleaser for get‑togethers or afternoon cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

300 grams ripe firm bananas (about 2–3 medium‑large or Nendram bananas)
½ cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon rice flour (optional for extra crispiness)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
A pinch of turmeric powder
A pinch of baking soda
⅓ cup water (adjust as needed)
Oil for deep frying

Directions

In a bowl, mix the all‑purpose flour, rice flour (if using), sugar, turmeric powder and baking soda.
Gradually add water and whisk to make a smooth, slightly thick batter that will coat the banana slices well.
Peel the bananas and slice them in half or quarters lengthwise, then cut each piece into long strips.
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
Dip each banana slice in the batter, coating evenly.
Carefully place the coated bananas in the hot oil and fry in batches.
Fry until they turn light golden and crisp, turning to cook both sides.
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

• Semolina Crunch: Add a tablespoon of fine semolina (sooji) to the batter for extra crispiness.
• Spiced Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon into the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Whole‑Wheat Version: Substitute whole‑wheat flour for all‑purpose flour to make a slightly healthier fritter.
• Sugar Free: Omit the sugar entirely if your bananas are very ripe and sweet.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cooked Pazham Pori is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in an oven, toaster oven or air fryer at a medium temperature for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are fully ripe but still firm so they hold their shape while frying. Very mushy bananas may fall apart in the batter.

Can I use regular bananas instead of Nendram bananas?

Yes — while Nendram bananas are traditional, any firm ripe bananas will work well.

Is rice flour necessary?

Rice flour is optional but can make the fritters slightly crisper.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking will yield softer fritters rather than the traditional crisp texture, but you can try it at 200 °C (390 °F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Why add turmeric powder?

Turmeric adds a warm color to the batter — it doesn’t significantly change the taste.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the batter up to 30 minutes before frying, but stir again before use if it settles.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral‑flavored oil like vegetable, canola or coconut oil for the best taste and frying results.

How to make them less oily?

Keep the oil at medium heat — too cool and the fritters absorb more oil, too hot and they brown too fast.

Can I make them sweeter?

Adjust the sugar in the batter to your taste or sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar after frying.

Are these vegan?

Yes — this recipe is naturally vegan and does not use any dairy or eggs.

Conclusion

Pazham Pori (Ethakka Appam) is a simple yet delightful snack that brings the flavors of Kerala’s streets right into your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy banana fritters that are crispy outside and sweet inside. Pair them with hot tea for the perfect afternoon treat.