“Air Fried Harve Kele Podi (Raw Banana Fries)” … podi/ fries is loved by almost all and when you want to binge on them without guilt go for air frying method … made these raw banana podi/ fries to be served during meals and they turned out perfect crispy yet soft within … Yummilicious …
** Podi/ fries are a common side dish from GSB Konkani Saraswat Cuisine prepared to be served during meals. These are thin slices of veggies/ tubers that are spiced and left to rest after which they are either deep fried/ shallow fried/ tava fried or as per latest method air fried. They taste awesome and though deep fried one’s rank on top, one has to compromise a little bit when it comes to healthy options. And once you get used to this method of cooking, then you will be glad you did so in the long run.
** Air fried dishes are almost guilt free being prepared with minimum oil, which means the culprit, is held at bay. If you are still hesitant on purchasing, do so, you will not regret it. Having said that I must mention there is a little bit of difference in taste and texture in air fried dishes compared to other methods of frying. But then, one has to accept the change in good spirit and be thankful that you can eat them to heart’s content, after all we have accepted plenty of changes in life otherwise too, isn't it???
** Mine is more than a decade old air fryer and I must confess I have not made the best use of it unlike my microwave oven. I am all for technology and always eager to buy anything that comes to market provided it fits my bill and my recent purchase is a atta kneader with beater and churner attachment. Well, I have yet to experiment on those recipes, but as of now, I am keener on using my air fryer to its fullest. There are plenty of recipes I would like to try and enjoy, so keep a watch out on my blog for more.
** I prepared these spicy podi’s/ fries using cooking variety raw bananas and luckily they turned out perfect. A note to remember when preparing fries in air fryer is, see to it that you slice the veggie evenly ie the thickness should be maintained equal lest a few may burn or remain uncooked. Again, see to it that you maintain proper temperature and keep checking initially when new to this method of cooking. Follow instructions mentioned in the booklet as each machine works differently, adjust accordingly.
** It is best to soak tuber varieties so that starch content is lessened. Add minimum oil while air frying, a little bit goes a long way. Flip over the fries or toss them at least once in between for even frying of the dishes. Above all see to it that you clean the air fryer basket each time you use it to remove remaining residue, we don’t want any food infection, do we??? Be positive and do not don’t be bogged down by failure, just give dishes a few tries before you reach to perfection after which there is no looking back.
** Here is simple method of preparing “Air Fried Harve Kele Podi (Raw Banana Fries)” … my style, simple and healthy ….
** Ingredients :
Harve Upkari Kele/ Raw Banana/ Kacha Kela/ Balekayi : 2 large sized
Kashmiri Chilly Powder/ Mirsange Pitti/ Mirchi Tikkat/ Menansisna Hudi : 2 tblsp
Haldi/ Turmeric Powder : ¼ tsp
Hing/ Asafoetida Powder : ½ to 1 tsp
Amchur/ Raw Mango Powder : ½ tsp
Oil/ Tel/ Tela : 1 tsp
Salt/ Namak/ Meeta : to taste
** For Dusting :
Tandla Pitti/ Rice Flour/ Akki Hudi : 2-3 tblsp
Bombay Rava/ Rulavu : 2-3 tblsp
Salt/ Namak/ Meeta : a pinch
** For Air frying :
Oil/ Tel/ Tela : 1-2 tsp
** Peel off the outer skin of large sized Raw Banana’s either with a sharp knife as thinly as possible or using string method. Slice the bananas into even sized round slices of say 1/6 inch thickness using a knife or you can use a vegetable slicer (mandolin) too. Add them into a bowl full of water immediately to avoid discoloring.
** Note : The slices should be neither too thick nor too thin and should be evenly sliced for perfect results while air frying.
** Let the raw banana slices soak in water for 10-15 minutes after which drain off the water, rinse well and then add into a colander and let rest aside for all the excess water to be drained off completely, this is important step so do not skip it. You can also spread it on a thick cloth and pat it slightly dry if need be.
** Now add the sliced raw bananas in a large bowl and add in all the spices (kashmiri chilly powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida powder, raw mango powder, oil, salt to taste) and toss well taking care to see that all the spices added are evenly coated to the raw banana slices. Do not worry if you find the slices dry, the veggies always leave water on resting and all the spices will be evenly coated to the slices.
** Note : Here is my method which I have been following for almost 3 decades to evenly coat the veggie slices. I just add the slices into a stainless steel wide mouthed dabba/ box, add the spice, cover the lid tightly and the keep tossing and rolling the box on all sides for 1-2 minutes. Trust me, when you open the lid you will find that all the veggie pieces have been evenly coated with the spices, def. a quick way.
** Cover the bowl with a tight lid or like me if you use a box do so and keep it in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours. I sometimes prepare this either in the morning or late in the night and keep it in the fridge and trust me it remains well for almost 48 hours and can be used as and when required, saves time and energy too.
** For Dusting : On a flat plate mix the rice flour, Bombay rava, salt and spread it evenly. Keep it aside ready to be used for dusting slices.
** To Air Fry the Raw Banana Slices : Preheat the Air fryer at 180 deg. for 5-7 minutes. Lightly brush the wire gauge or the food placing basket with a little bit of oil, just to take care that it does not stick to it. Now roll each spice coated raw banana slice on the prepared and kept dusting powder to evenly coat on both sides and place them on a single layer in the preheat air fryer basket.
** Air fry the raw banana slices for 7-8 minutes at 180 deg. undisturbed after which lightly brush the top of the slices with just a little bit of oil and continue to fry for another 5 minutes at 180 deg. Now flip the slices and apply oil only if need be and once again continue to air fry the slices for another 5-8 minutes.
** Each Air Fryer acts and behaves differently, be it the adjustment or the heat applications, so adjust accordingly. Once the timings of 15 minutes of air frying have been exceeded then be careful, check in between, and continue only if needed. I have air fried for about 18 minutes in all and I got perfect results.
** Note : Air frying is a knack to be learnt over repeated attempts and still can cause mishaps. In order to avoid such wrongs, keep checking in between by either inserting a fork or a sharp knife to see if the fries are done. As I added oil to the slices before dusting, I have avoiding applying oil once they are flipped over, you may do so only if desired. However, do not apply too much oil, lest the purpose is lost.
** When the slices are crisp and done remove them on a plate and continue the same procedure with remaining raw banana slices or until done. Remember, If you find the slices too dry while air frying, then you can brush a little bit of oil over the raw bananas or brush with a little bit of water too for frying it properly.
** Note : I am new to cooking in Air fryer and still learning new tips and tricks reading on net or on food groups. I cannot vouch on any procedure as each machine differs and has its own mechanism, I am mentioning that of mine which is Phillips model. Once again, do follow the instructions in case of heat temperatures too as that may also differ, just check on booklet or on net, usually it is the same.
** “Air Fried Harve Kele Podi (Raw Banana Fries)” are done and ready to be served. You can just relish them as snack with any dishes of your choice during meals or tea served with tomato ketchup/ dip of your choice too. Air fried dishes are best served hot and fresh from oven for best of taste, they do tend to turn brittle. I prepared these to be served during meals along with other dishes and it tasted awesome.
** Air Fryer is a good investment in my opinion though I am not sure of any harm it does if any and luckily, now larger ones are available to suit family requirements. Mine is a small one, commonly available that is pocket friendly. It serves for 2-3 persons depending upon the prepared dish. However, when you consider the health aspect then even it takes some time to do so then I am game for it.
** Sharing common link below to more “Air Fryer” recipes, please browse through in leisure and try them as and when convenient ….
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