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Healthy Banana Chips
Balekaayi Chips, Banana Chips, Banana Crisps or Kela ka Chips, are dried, generally crispy slices of Banana. With its origin in Kerala, and Indonesia, they are generally covered with spices and salt when fried, while the non-fried version can be covered in sugar or honey and have a sweet taste. The most popular Banana Chips are produced from under-ripe banana slices, dried, and deep fried in sunflower or coconut oil. If ripe bananas are used, they come out oily.
Nendra bale Kaayi, a particular kind of banana, also known as Kerala banana, is used for the authentic Kerala-Kochi style banana chips, which is then dried and fried in high quality authentic Kerala made coconut oil. These Chips after frying are sprinkled with salt and served, while one can spice it up with chilli, black pepper & amchur powder to give it a spicy taste. The other way to make banana chips is to dry slices of banana either in sun or artificial drier. The fried Banana Chips are usually more savory compared to that of the dried banana chips. The dried banana chips retain flavours more than the fried ones, but the fried ones are crispier and tastier.
These Chips are not only a good namkeen snacks for your teatime and festivals, but they pack a lot of nutrients as well. Banana Chips are high in dietary fibers along with potassium and vitamin C. Fibers keep your digestion in check while, potassium ensures proper functioning of the muscles. It is true that fried Banana Chips are high source of fats as well, but one can easily get around it by consuming them occasionally. This fruit from 600 B.C., now ranks 4th behind rice, wheat & corn in human consumption, where India is the largest producer and exporter of Bananas. Indian Banana Chips, Especially the ones made in Kerala with their traditional recipe is one of the best and healthiest snacks to munch on by kids and adults alike.
