Unnakaya /Stuffed Ripe Plantain with Coconut

Today I thought I can share another traditional Kerala food..It is a famous snack in northern part of Kerala (Malabar region). It is very popular and demanded item during the Ramadan fasting days. The name of the snack is UNNAKAYA. It has a special shape and the shape is similar to the fruit called unnakaya.The main ingredient for this snack is ripe-plantain (Ethaykaya).The best part about this snack is that it can be prepared in both veg and non-veg versions so both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can have it. The non-vegetarian version is prepared with egg. It is a very tasty one and kids will really love this delicious snack. We can also call it as a stuffed plantain with coconut.

Frankly speaking, when i prepared this first 2-3 times it was a flop; the main problem I faced was that I couldn't prepare it in the perfect shape and while frying it was broken so we ate them as podimas. . 

Today, I prepared both the veggie and non-veg versions. My hus really liked the egg version.You can deep fry or shallow fry it. Here I shallow fried it. But be careful, it will get fried within minutes. if  u keep it for more time it will get burn and spoil the taste. If u try to prepare this, first prepare the stuffing and then boil the plantain. Because if u keep the mashed plantain for long time it will get dry and can not make out the correct shape. Better to prepare the filling first then boil and mash the plantain. Do not use the fully riped plantain.

Just try it..sure it will be a good addition to ur evening snack menu..

Lets talk about the recipe...

Ingredients

Ripe Plantain: 2 nos
Vegetarian version:                         
Ghee: 1 tbsp     
Cardamom: 2 nos
Raisins: 5 nos
Cashewnut: 5 nos
couscous:3 tbsp(optional)
Grated Coconut: 1/2 cup
Sugar: 1/4 cup
Non vegetarian Version:                                         
Cardamom: 2 nos
Raisins: 5 nos
Cashewnut: 5 nos
Grated Coconut: 1/2 cup
Sugar: 1/4 cup 
Egg: 1 no   

Preparation
Step1: 

• Crush the cardamom and  cashew nut. If u like u can use the whole one.
• Boil the plantain.

How to Boil the plantain:
Method1

• Cut the plantain into 2 pieces.
• In a pressure cooker just add enough water and cook until 1 or 2 whistle.
• Let it cool and use accordingly

Method2

• Cut the plantain into 2 pieces
• In an idli cooker add the water and keep one idli mould plate and place the plantain on the plate.
• Cook until 2 to 3 whistle.
• Let it cool and use accordingly

Step2: 

• Heat ghee in  a pan. Add the crushed cardamom ,cashews and raisins. Saute it for 30 seconds
• Add the couscous followed by grated coconut and fry for 1-2 minute in medium heat. Add the Sugar..stir continuosly..Fry until the mix get a light brown color

For the non vegetarian 

• Pour the egg into the pan.scramble it and mix with the coconut mixture..Stir continuously.

Step3: 

• Mash the boiled plantain very nicely using ur hand or mixer.Do not add any water.Do not have any lumps on it..blend well

Step4: How to make the unnakaya stuffing

• Make lemon sized balls from the cooked bananas
• Apply some oil on ur palm.sothat it won't stick
• Take one ball and place it on ur plam ..press it using ur fingers and 
• Take one  spoon full of coconut mix /eggmix,place it on the banaan mix cover and shape it. 
• For making the shape make the edges in sharp and center portion will be thick (as shown in the picture)
• Repeat the same process for all the balls we made .With 2 bananas u can make upto 6-8 unnakaya.

Step5:

•  Heat ghee in a pan.(oil is also fine) Shallow fry until all the four sides get nice brown color

The easy and delicious unnakaya is ready to have.Have it with Hot tea,best snack for evening tea.

Cook's Tip

• Do not keep the mashed plantian mix for long time if u keep it it will get dry.
• If u like u can deep fry the unnakaya pieces.
• Do not use fully riped bananas.If u feel the mashed plantain is not in the right consistency add 1-2 tbsp flour into it.
• If u like more egg taste reduce the amount of coconut.