Banana Jaggery Appe Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet Snack

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Jaggery Appe Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a delightful little treat that’s both comforting and packed with flavour, you have to try these Banana Jaggery Appes. I remember my grandmother making these during festivals, and the aroma would fill the entire house. They’re a little bit sweet, a little bit spiced, and utterly addictive. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These appes aren’t just delicious; they’re a little piece of Indian culinary heritage. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a festive offering, or even a light dessert. The combination of ripe bananas, the warm sweetness of jaggery, and the subtle spices is just heavenly. And honestly, who can resist anything cooked in ghee?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden beauties:

• 1.5 cups rice flour (approx. 150g)
• 0.5 cup chopped jaggery (approx. 100g)
• 1.5 cups water (360ml)
• 3 bananas, ripe
• 0.25 cup chopped coconut (approx. 30g)
• 2 teaspoons ghee (approx. 10g)
• 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds (approx. 10g)
• 0.5 teaspoon green cardamom powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.25 teaspoon cumin powder (approx. 1.25g)
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda (approx. 2.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips from my kitchen to yours!

Rice Flour: Types and Substitutions

I prefer using a fine rice flour for the best texture. You can find it easily in Indian grocery stores. If you’re in a pinch, you can use all-purpose flour, but the appes will be a little denser. A 1:1 substitution works, but the flavour profile will change slightly.

Jaggery: Regional Variations & Health Benefits

Jaggery is unrefined sugar, and it adds a beautiful caramel-like flavour. There are different types – darker jaggery has a stronger flavour. You can find it in block form and chop it yourself, or sometimes pre-chopped. Jaggery is considered healthier than refined sugar as it retains some molasses, offering trace minerals.

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Flavor & Aroma

Ghee is essential for that authentic flavour! It adds a richness that you just can’t replicate. If you don’t have ghee, you can use melted butter, but ghee really elevates the taste.

Coconut: Fresh vs. Dried – Which to Use?

I usually use dried coconut for convenience, but freshly grated coconut is amazing if you have it! If using fresh, about ½ cup grated coconut will do.

Sesame Seeds: Black Sesame Seeds – Nutritional Value & Flavor

Black sesame seeds add a lovely nutty flavour and a beautiful visual contrast. They’re also packed with calcium and antioxidants! White sesame seeds work too, if that’s all you have.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the jaggery syrup. Chop the jaggery and dissolve it in 1.5 cups of water over low heat. Stir until it’s completely dissolved, then strain the syrup to remove any impurities. Set this aside to cool.
2. While the syrup cools, heat the ghee in a pan. Add the chopped coconut and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Set the fried coconut aside.
3. Now, mash the bananas really well – no lumps allowed! Mix in the cardamom powder, ginger powder, and cumin powder.
4. In a large bowl, combine the jaggery syrup, rice flour, sesame seeds, and mashed bananas. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
5. Add the fried coconut and baking soda to the batter. Give it one final mix – don’t overmix!
6. Heat your appe pan over medium-low heat. Add a little ghee to each mold.
7. Pour the batter into each mold, filling it about ¾ full.
8. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom turns golden brown. Then, carefully flip the appes with a skewer and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until golden.
9. Remove the appes from the pan and serve warm!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the appe pan. Work in batches if needed.
• The batter should be of a pouring consistency – not too thick, not too runny. Add a little water if it’s too thick.
• Keep the heat on medium-low to ensure the appes cook through without burning.

Variations

• My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter – it gives it a lovely warmth.
• For a richer flavour, you can add a tablespoon of grated cashew nuts to the batter.
• My family often makes these with a little bit of semolina (rava) for a slightly different texture.

Vegan Adaptation

To make these vegan, simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or sunflower oil.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

These appes are naturally gluten-free, as long as you use pure rice flour! Always double-check the packaging to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mildly Spiced)

The spice levels are pretty mild in this recipe. If you prefer a bit more kick, you can increase the amount of ginger and cumin powder.

Festival Adaptations (Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi)

These appes are traditionally made during Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi. They’re offered as prasad (a sacred offering) to the deities.

Serving Suggestions

These are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of coconut flakes. A cup of chai is the perfect accompaniment!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover appes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent the appes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your appe pan is well-seasoned and greased with ghee before pouring in the batter. Cooking on medium-low heat also helps.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of rice flour?

You can try all-purpose flour, but the texture will be different. Wheat flour will result in a denser appe.

Can this batter be made ahead of time? If so, how long will it keep?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time! It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a little water to adjust the consistency before cooking.

What is the significance of using jaggery in this recipe?

Jaggery adds a unique flavour and is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar in traditional Indian cooking.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the appes?

You can adjust the amount of jaggery to suit your taste. Start with a little less and add more if needed.

Enjoy making these delightful Banana Jaggery Appes! I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!