Looking for a quick and tasty evening snack that your kids will love? This special and instant Unniyappam recipe skips the traditional jaggery and uses sugar instead, making it quicker and easier without compromising on taste. Soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and infused with the flavors of banana and cardamom – this snack is perfect for busy evenings!
What is Unniyappam?
Unniyappam is a beloved South Indian sweet snack, especially popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Traditionally made during festivals and special occasions, these small round fritters are made from a blend of flours, ripe bananas, and sweeteners. While the classic version uses jaggery, this recipe uses sugar for a more instant and accessible twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Whole wheat flour – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour (maida) – 1 cup
- Rice powder – 2 tablespoons
- Semolina (Rava) – 2 tablespoons
- Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon
- Banana – 6 ripe bananas
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Grated coconut – ½ cup
- Water – ¾ cup
- Oil – for frying
Why This Recipe Works
- No jaggery hassle: Sugar gives a rich caramel-like flavor without the need to melt jaggery.
- Quick prep: Just blend, mix, and fry – no fermentation or extra steps.
- Kid-friendly: Naturally sweet and flavorful – a guaranteed hit with little ones.
- Great texture: The combination of flours and banana creates a soft, airy interior with a crispy edge.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Make the Banana Base
Cut the bananas into small pieces and blend them into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Batter
Add wheat flour, all-purpose flour, rice powder, semolina, sugar, grated coconut, cardamom powder, baking soda, and water to the bowl. Mix well to form a thick batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
3. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for frying.
4. Fry the Unniyappams
- Once the oil is hot, take a spoonful of batter and carefully drop it into the oil.
- Add about 5 to 6 spoons of batter at a time.
- Keep the flame on medium and flip the unniyappams when the underside turns golden brown.
- Fry until both sides are evenly cooked and crisp.
5. Drain and Serve
Remove the unniyappams and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with a cup of tea!
Final Thoughts
Unniyappam, even in its instant form, retains all the charm and flavor of the traditional version. With the sweetness of bananas and sugar, the aroma of cardamom, and the mild crunch from coconut, this is one snack you’ll come back to again and again. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or just a cozy evening treat, this version is quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
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