Unnakkai

Unnakkai is a specialty commonly made in parts of North Malabar during the holy month of Ramadan during the fast opening ceremony. This recipe blends in two of the most commonly seen items from a Kerala kitchen,i.e, Coconut and Plantains. This sweet rich explosion of taste is sure to win over your stomachs.

Ingredients

Ripe plantains (steamed): 2
Grated coconut: 1/2 cup
Sugar: 1/2 cup
Cardamom pods: 1
Cashew nuts: 1 tablespoon
Raisins: 1 tablespoon
Ghee: 2 teaspoons
Oil to fry

Cut the ripe plantain and steam it until cooked and soft. Pull out the center black seeds and mash up the soft banana with a teaspoon of ghee into a nice soft dough. Next, heat some oil and one teaspoon of ghee for an additional flavor. Add the raisins, cashew nuts and fry until golden. Add the grated coconut and saute well. Add sugar, sprinkle cardamom pods powdered and mix well. Saute well until everything gets mixed well. Turn off the heat. Now take the banana dough, divide into small balls and make little scoops by flattening it on your palm. Fill some of the coconut mixture into these scoops. Seal the edges and roll it into the shape as per the picture. Now shallow fry these until slightly golden . Serve them warm and enjoy.