How to Prepare Aratikaya Vepudu – Moist & Crispy South Indian Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, crispy, and healthy side dish to pair with your South Indian meals? Then Raw Banana Fry, also known as *Aratikaya Vepudu* in Telugu, is the perfect choice. This simple recipe transforms humble raw bananas into a flavorful and crunchy fry that goes amazingly well with rice, dal, sambar, or rasam. If you have ever wondered how to prepare raw banana fry South Indian style, this step-by-step guide will help you master it easily at home.
Why Try (Aratikaya Vepudu ) Raw Banana Fry?
Raw bananas are packed with nutrition and are often used in traditional Indian cooking. They are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins, making them a healthy alternative to potato fries. What makes Aratikaya Vepudu South Indian style special is the use of curry leaves, garlic, red chilli, and onions, which give the dish its authentic taste. Depending on how you cook it, you can make it soft and moist, raw banana fry or golden and crispy with just a little extra oil.
Ingredients You Need for Aratikaya Vepudu
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need just a handful of ingredients from your kitchen:
* 2 medium-sized raw bananas (aratikaya)
* 2–3 teaspoons oil
* 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
* 1 teaspoon black gram (urad dal)
* 2 dry red chillies
* 8–10 garlic cloves
* A few curry leaves
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
* Salt as required
* 1–2 teaspoons red chilli powder
Step-by-Step Preparation
First, peel the bananas and cut them into medium-sized cubes. Immediately soak them in salted water for a few minutes to prevent discolouration. Heat oil in a kadai and add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, garlic cloves, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté lightly.
Next, add turmeric powder and a little salt, mixing everything well. Drain the raw banana pieces and add them to the kadai. Stir well, cover the pan, and cook for about two minutes on a low flame. Remove the lid, mix again, and sprinkle red chilli powder. Continue frying on low flame, stirring occasionally, until the banana pieces become golden and slightly crispy. If you prefer a crispier version, drizzle a little extra oil and fry for a longer time.
Within minutes, your flavorful raw banana fry will be ready to serve.
Also read Cabbage Manchurian Recipe: A Delicious & Easy Homemade Treat
Tips for Perfect Fry
Here are a few quick tips to get the best results:
* Always soak banana pieces in salted water to avoid them turning black.
* Use garlic and curry leaves generously for an authentic South Indian touch.
* For moist raw banana fry, cook with less oil and keep the lid on while cooking.
* For a crispier version, add a little more oil and fry uncovered on a low flame.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs well with almost any South Indian meal. Serve it hot with steamed rice and dal for a classic comfort combo, or enjoy it with rasam, sambar, or curd rice. The crispy texture and spicy kick make it a family favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to prepare Aratikaya Vepudu in South Indian style?
By using curry leaves, garlic, red chilli powder, and onions in tempering, you can bring out the authentic South Indian flavour.
2. How to make moist raw banana fry?
Cook the banana pieces on a low flame with less oil and keep the lid closed for a soft and moist texture.
3. Can I make raw banana fry without onion and garlic?
Yes, you can prepare a no-onion no-garlic version by skipping those ingredients, which is perfect for fasting days.
4. What is the best way to serve raw banana fry?
It tastes best with steamed rice, dal, rasam, or curd rice.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish, raw banana fry (aratikaya vepudu) is a must-try recipe. It needs very little preparation, uses basic ingredients, and can be cooked in under 20 minutes. Whether you prefer it moist or crispy, this dish is sure to add a tasty twist to your everyday meals. Try this authentic South Indian recipe today and enjoy its delicious flavour with your family.
