Unnakayi (Fried Stuffed Ripe Plantain)

This is a very popular dish of the Muslims of North Malabar. If you have a Muslim friend or a neighbor you would not have missed eating this item as it is their staple snack made during the 'Noyambu' (Fasting) period. It is also available in bakeries, but the fresh ones made at home have a unique taste.

In this recipe I have made a pure veg unnakkayi which everyone can try out. But there are types in which eggs are also used that taste different, but appeal to many. The credit for the recipe and cooking tips goes to my friend Sumayya. As this is my first attempt, I have no idea how 'authentic' the dish looks.

Serves  four 

INGREDIENTS:

• Ripe plantain- 2 (It should not be over ripe )
• Grated coconut - 1 cup (I used the sweetened coconut flakes available in grocery store) 
• Cardamom powder- 1/4 teaspoon
• Sugar - 4 tablespoons (I didn't use as the coconut was sweetened type)
• Ghee- 1 tablespoon
• Cashews and Raisins - few for filling

How to Prepare :

Step 1: Plantain 

Microwave the ripe plantains for 3 minutes or till the skin starts peeling. do not overcook it .When it is cool, remove the fibers and mash it well without adding water. Authentic way is using a thick bottomed ladle, but you can also use the mixer for this purpose. It should be well done without lumps and without a drop of water added. The prepared mix should be then pressed well like chappathy dough and made smooth and thick so that it will hold the filling. Keep it aside for sometime.

Step 2:  Filling preparation

Take a pan, heat the ghee and saute the broken cashews and Raisins till it is done. Add the grated coconut and fry till it attains a yellow color. add sugar is needed and saute well. add cardamom powder and mix well.Do not burn it or even make it brownish. Remove from flame and transfer to a small vessel to cool it. 

Step3: Filling

 Take a spoonful of the mashed plantain and flatten it on your palm. Add a spoonful of filling to the center and seal it using both the palms. Repeat till all the plantain is filled . Keep is aside.

Step3: Frying

Heat oil in kadai and deep fry the preparation till it becomes nice and brown. Transfer it into a paper towel to absorb the oil. 

Step 4: Serving

Enjoy the hot ,soft and sweet snack.