Sarkara Varatti, Sarkara upperi

1. Remove the skin of banana, cut each of them lengthwise into halves . Then cut them into ¼ inch thick slices.
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan; Once the oil is hot, add banana slices.(Refer Notes)
3. Deep fry the slices until they become golden brown in color(Refer Notes). Transfer to a paper towel to remove excess oil.
4. In a thick bottomed pan, heat jaggery and water till the jaggery melts. Strain into a bowl to remove the impurities.
5. Then transfer the strained jaggery syrup into the same thick bottomed pan, boil again on medium flame, until it reaches a one string/strand consistency.
6. When the syrup reaches the right consistency, lower the heat, add cardamom powder, cumin powder and mix well.
7. Remove from flame; Add the fried banana pieces, stir well to coat and let it cool for 1 minute.
8. Then add the ginger powder, rice powder, powdered sugar and toss well till banana pieces are coated nicely .
9. Allow to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container.

Notes:

• For frying banana slices,
  • Once the oil is really hot, add banana slices and fry on high heat for first 4 minutes.
  • Then lower the flame and fry till golden brown. Turn heat to high, for the last 2 minutes.
  • This method gives crispiness to sarkara varatti and prevent from absorbing more oil.