Banana Fritters (Kelya cha Bhaja)

My youngest one is big on fruits and veggies. If he has to choose between a chocolate and a fruit, he will pick the fruit any day. Lucky me I guess :) We definitely turn heads at the restaurant with dialogues like "Finish your dessert, if you want your broccoli and carrots"...lol.

Anyhoo, moving on, the other day, it was raining and every other member of the family wanted bhajiyas/pakodas at tea time and my little one wanted a banana. As I was peeling the banana for him, I remembered a snack my mom used to make for us... kelya cha Bhaja - Banana Fritters!! I had forgotten about them in all these years..... so decided to make them right away.......

Peel and slice 1 banana into 1/4th inch thick slices. Ideally it should not be too ripe. Then take 1/2 cup besan (gram flour) in a bowl, add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda (my mom used to add 'mohan' - ie heat abt 2 tsp oil in a pan till its really hot and add it to the flour - it acts like soda) and salt to taste. Add water and mix till the consistency is that of a thick pancake or dosa batter. It should not be too runny. Dip the banana pieces into the batter and coat them nicely and fry them in hot oil. Serve with ketchup if you like.

When you pop them in your mouth, the sweet banana mixes with the savory batter and gives out an amazing burst of flavor! 

Luckily my angel loved this snack, and now we found something that everyone can enjoy together every once in a while and the day was saved - luv u mom :)

This is my entry for: US Masala's - Veggie/Fruit of the Month Event: Banana started by Priya.