Unnakkaaya/Coconut Stuffed Banana

Ingredients

• 3 units Banana/Plantain (Banana must be medium ripe.)
• 0.5 unit Coconut, grated (Half section of a full coconut is taken.)
• 6 tablespoons Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 4 units Cashew nut
• 4 units Raisins
• 3 tablespoons Ghee
• 4 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (Vegetable oil for frying the unnakkaaya.)

Instructions

1. 1Cut each banana in half and steam for 10 minutes until soft but not overcooked. The goal is to achieve a fine, thick paste.
2. 2Mash the steamed bananas with a masher or fork while still hot to achieve a thick consistency. If the mixture is too wet, incorporate all-purpose flour or bread crumbs to thicken.
3. 3In a pan over medium heat, combine ghee, coconut oil, grated coconut, sugar, cardamom powder, cashew nuts, and raisins. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and cook until the mixture turns golden, approximately 5 minutes.
4. 4Lightly oil your palms and shape the mashed banana into small balls, adjusting the size according to your preference for unnakkaaya.
5. 5Flatten each banana ball into a small disc, place 1 tablespoon of coconut filling in the center, and fold to enclose the filling, shaping it into the traditional unnakkaaya form.
6. 6Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the shaped unnakkaaya until golden brown, ensuring even cooking by turning occasionally.