Unnakkaya ~ Stuffed Plantain Fritters ~ Filled Plantain Fritters

Initial Preparation:

1. Steam cook the plantains with the skin, till you see a crack on the skin; Remove from steam and allow to cool.
2. Remove the skin, cut it into two halves and remove the black seeds; Mash well and make soft dough without any lumps and keep it aside.
3. Fry cashew nuts and raisins in 1 tablespoon ghee and set aside.

Filling Preparation:

1. Heat 3 tablespoon ghee in a pan, add the grated coconut and the sugar, fry till coconut turns light brown in color on medium heat.
2. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
3. Add the egg, scramble it and fry till the mixture becomes dry(refer notes, pictures).
4. Then add the fried cashew nuts, raisins and mix well.
5. Remove from heat, allow to cool.

Making Unnakkaya:

1. Make 8-10 small balls out of the dough.
2. Flatten each ball, place 1-2 tablespoon of stuffing on the center, seal the edges and make into an oval or round shape.
3. Fry the stuffed plantain in oil until it turns golden brown in all the sides.
4. Serve hot.

Notes:

• Try to get the right plantain for making unnakkaya; Avoid too ripe and too raw plantains.
• If the dough is too soft, add roasted rice flour little by little and make it thick; Make sure that the end result should be a soft dough.
• For vegetarians: It tastes yummy even without eggs. So you can skip Step#3 of 'Filling Preparation'.