- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, mashed banana, turmeric powder, sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix well. Add water sparingly, if needed, as the bananas provide moisture for binding.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until hot. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm, perhaps with tea.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:3 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:10 mg8%
- Salt:150 g25%
- Fat:8 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Banana Fritters Recipe – Turmeric & Cardamom Indian Snack
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good monsoon-time snack with a hot cup of chai. And honestly, is there anything more comforting than something warm, crispy, and a little bit sweet? Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Banana Fritters – a delightful Indian treat packed with flavour and surprisingly easy to make. I first made these when I was craving something sweet and didn’t want to head to the store, and they’ve been a family favourite ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t just any fritters. They’re a little slice of happiness, perfect for an afternoon treat, a quick breakfast, or even a festive snack. They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and the subtle warmth of turmeric and cardamom just elevates everything. Plus, they come together in under 15 minutes – seriously!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden beauties:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida) – about 120g
- 1 cup rice flour – about 170g
- 1 large ripe plantain (or 2 ripe bananas/4-5 small ripe bananas)
- 1 pinch turmeric powder – about ¼ tsp
- ½ cup sugar – about 100g
- 1 pinch baking powder – about ¼ tsp
- 1 pinch cardamom powder – about ¼ tsp
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make all the difference!
Plantain vs. Banana Varieties
You can absolutely use either plantains or bananas for this recipe. Plantains give a slightly less sweet, more savory flavour, which I personally love. If using bananas, make sure they’re really ripe – the riper, the sweeter and easier to mash! Cavendish, Lady Finger, or even Rajeli bananas work beautifully.
The Role of Rice Flour
Don’t skip the rice flour! It’s the secret to that incredible crispiness. It helps create a light and airy texture, preventing the fritters from becoming too dense.
Turmeric & Cardamom – Flavor & Health Benefits
Turmeric isn’t just for colour; it adds a lovely earthy warmth and is packed with antioxidants. Cardamom brings a fragrant sweetness that complements the banana perfectly. These spices aren’t just delicious, they’re good for you too!
Choosing the Right Oil for Frying
I prefer using neutral-flavoured oils like sunflower or vegetable oil for frying. They have a high smoke point, which is important for achieving that perfect golden-brown colour without burning.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, in a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, mashed banana (or plantain), turmeric powder, sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder, and salt.
- Mix everything together really well. Don’t worry if it seems a little dry at first.
- Add water sparingly, only if needed. The bananas will provide most of the moisture you need for binding. You want a batter that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still drops easily from a spoon.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a tiny drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches.
- Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and beautifully crisp. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favourite cup of chai!
Expert Tips
Want to take your fritters to the next level? Here are a few of my favourite tricks:
Achieving the Perfect Batter Consistency
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too thick that it’s difficult to drop into the oil. Think of a slightly thicker pancake batter.
Temperature Control for Crispy Fritters
Maintaining the right oil temperature is key. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
Preventing Fritters from Absorbing Too Much Oil
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches allows the oil temperature to remain consistent.
Variations
Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to customize these fritters:
Vegan Banana Fritters
Simply substitute the regular milk with plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
Gluten-Free Banana Fritters (Alternative Flours)
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well.
Spice Level Adjustments (Adding Chili Powder)
My friend loves adding a pinch of chili powder to the batter for a little kick! About ¼ teaspoon should do the trick.
Festival Adaptations (Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi)
These are especially popular during Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi. You can add a touch of saffron to the batter for a festive golden hue.
Serving Suggestions
These are fantastic on their own, but even better with:
- A steaming cup of masala chai
- A dollop of yogurt
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
- A side of your favourite chutney
Storage Instructions
Leftover fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They will lose some of their crispness, but you can revive them by briefly reheating them in a preheated oven or air fryer.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, more ripe is better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily.
What is the purpose of adding rice flour to the batter?
Rice flour is the secret to that amazing crispiness! It creates a light and airy texture.
How can I make these fritters less oily?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature and don’t overcrowd the pan. Draining them well on paper towels also helps.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
You can try! Brush them with a little oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried fritters, but still delicious.
What is the best way to store leftover banana fritters?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.
Can I add other spices to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a pinch of ginger.
Enjoy these little bites of sunshine! I hope you love them as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.
