Pazham Nirachathu (Banana with Sweet Coconut Filling)

Pazham Nirachathu (banana with sweet coconut filling) is a very popular snack in Malabar region. It is an easy to make snack and can be prepared with the ingredients that are always available in home.

Ingredients

• Kerala Banana (Nendhran) - 3 nos: (perfectly ripe)
• Grated Coconut - 5-6 tbsp
• Sugar - 2 tbsp (according to your taste)
• Cardamom Powder - 1/4 tsp
• Raisins - 10-15 nos:
• Cashew - 10-15 nos:
• Ghee - 3 tbsp
• Maida - 3-4 tbsp
• Salt - a pinch
• Coconut Oil - 4-5tbsp (for shallow fry)

Preparation Method

1. Steam cook the bananas for 5-7 minutes and keep aside.
2. In a pan, heat ghee and fry cashews and rasins and keep in kitchen towel.
3. To that ghee, add grated coconut and saute for 4-5mins: in medium flame.
4. Add sugar and cardamon powder and saute till sugar melts and the coconut become slightly golden in color. Remove from flame and allow it to cool. 
5. In a bowl add maida salt; add water, mix well and make a thick smooth batter and keep aside.
6. Peel banana skin and make a shallow slit from one end to another without slitting the edges (depth should be made till near the seeds).
7. Make a gap in the slit using fingers or backside of the knife.
8. Gently fill 1tbsp of coconut mixture in to the slit, push the filling inside the banana as much as you can without slitting the banana at the bottom and sides.
9. Cover the slit with maida batter. 
10. Heat oil in a pan place the banana in to it. (Make sure that the slit should be down side.
11. After 2-3mins: turn all sides and fry till banana becomes golden color.
12. Remove the banana from oil and place in kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
13. Pazham Nirachathu (banana with sweet cocont filling) in ready to serve with tea/coffee.