Sharkara Varatti Recipe Kit Recipe

About this recipe

Discover the authentic taste of Kerala with our Sharkara Varatti Kit, a traditional jaggery-coated plantain snack that's perfect for sweet cravings. This kit comes with pre-measured raw plantains, pure jaggery, aromatic spices, and coconut oil for frying, making it easy to recreate this festive favorite at home. Delight in the crispy texture and rich flavor of this classic treat, ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Order now on the AnyFeast website or app and bring home the essence of Kerala cuisine! Make family meals stress free with AnyFeast — a family meal planner built for Indian kitchens and busy schedules.

Ingredients

• - Green Cardamom Powder
• - Ginger Powder
• 500 g Jaggery
• - Raw Banana (Plantains)

Instructions

1. 1. Peel and slice 250g of raw plantains into thin, uniform pieces. Wash the slices and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel.
2. 2. Heat enough coconut oil in a deep pan over medium flame for deep frying. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.
3. 3. Fry the plantain slices in batches without overcrowding the pan. Stir occasionally and fry until they turn golden and crisp. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. 4. In another pan, add 1/2 cup of jaggery and 1/4 cup of water. Heat on low flame, stirring continuously, until the jaggery completely dissolves and forms a slightly thick syrup. To test, drop a small amount of syrup into water; it should form a soft ball.
5. 5. Add 1/4 tsp of dried ginger powder (chukku podi) and 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Mix well.
6. 6. Add the fried plantain chips into the syrup and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Ensure the syrup is still warm and fluid for easy coating.
7. 7. Once coated, spread the sharkara varatti on a tray or plate to cool completely. The coating will harden as it cools. Serve or store in an airtight container.

How to make Sharkara Varatti

1. Slice the plantains. Peel and slice 250g of raw plantains into thin, even pieces, then wash and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Fry the plantain chips. Heat coconut oil for deep frying over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the slices in batches until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towel.
3. Make the jaggery syrup. Heat 1/2 cup of jaggery with 1/4 cup of water on low heat, stirring, until it forms a slightly thick syrup that makes a soft ball in water. Mix in 1/4 tsp each of dried ginger powder and cardamom powder.
4. Coat and cool. Toss the fried chips gently in the warm syrup until evenly coated, then spread them on a tray to cool completely so the coating hardens. Serve or store in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions

What is the total time required to make Sharkara Varatti?

The total time to make Sharkara Varatti is 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

Can I make Sharkara Varatti ahead of time and store it?

Yes, Sharkara Varatti can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain its crispness.

What can I serve Sharkara Varatti with?

Sharkara Varatti is a perfect standalone snack but can also be served as part of a traditional Indian festive platter or alongside tea or coffee.

Can I substitute jaggery with another sweetener?

Jaggery is essential for the authentic flavor of Sharkara Varatti, but you could try using brown sugar as a substitute, though the taste will differ slightly.