Odiya Kancha Kadali Bara Recipe (Raw Banana Cutlets)
Odiya Kancha Kadali Bara, or Raw Banana Cutlets, is a delightful snack from the traditional cuisine of Odisha, India. These cutlets are a fantastic choice for any occasion, especially during fasting periods such as Navratri, where garlic and onions are avoided. Prepared with the humble raw banana, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and subtle yet aromatic spices. With a crispy exterior and a soft interior, Odiya Kancha Kadali Bara serves as a great tea-time snack or party starter. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a tangy roasted tomato sauce or a refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney.
As the raw banana itself has a rather mild flavor, the key to making these cutlets truly delicious lies in the generous use of spices like cumin, red chili powder, and chat masala. For those observing fasts, make sure to modify the ingredients—replace regular salt with rock salt, and instead of besan (gram flour), use chestnut or rajgira flour. The result is a crisp, savory treat that’s perfect for those avoiding certain foods.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 4 |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Oil | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gram flour (besan), which is made from chickpeas. People with chickpea or legume allergies should avoid this dish or substitute with a suitable alternative like chestnut flour. The recipe is vegetarian and free of gluten if gluten-free flour is used instead of regular besan.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by replacing besan with chestnut or rajgira flour.
- Fasting-Friendly: Ideal for fasting as it does not contain onions or garlic. Modify the salt by using rock salt and adjusting other ingredients based on dietary preferences during fasting periods.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Instructions
-
Preparation:
Start by washing the raw bananas thoroughly. Place them in a pressure cooker, add enough water to cover them, and cook until you hear two whistles. Once done, remove the cooker from heat and allow the bananas to cool down. -
Peeling and Mashing:
Peel the skin off the cooked raw bananas once they have cooled to a manageable temperature. Mash the bananas well with a fork or potato masher until smooth. -
Spicing the Mixture:
To the mashed bananas, add the finely chopped green chillies, red chili powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, chopped coriander leaves, and grated ginger. Season with salt to taste. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly to form a dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little gram flour to help bind it together. -
Shaping the Cutlets:
Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into flat, round cutlets. Roll the cutlets in a light dusting of gram flour or semolina, ensuring they are coated evenly while shaking off any excess. -
Cooking the Cutlets:
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over low to medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cutlets in the pan. Shallow fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. -
Serving:
Once done, remove the cutlets from the pan and drain any excess oil on paper towels. Serve your Odiya Kancha Kadali Bara hot with either roasted tomato sauce or a tangy Dhaniya Pudina Chutney.
Tips for Perfect Raw Banana Cutlets
- Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the green chilies for more or less heat.
- Crispiness: Ensure that the pan is hot enough before frying, and cook the cutlets on a low flame to achieve a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft.
- Alternative Flours: During fasting periods or for gluten-free requirements, use chestnut or rajgira flour in place of gram flour (besan).
Conclusion
Odiya Kancha Kadali Bara is a versatile and flavorful snack that brings the best of Odisha’s culinary heritage to your table. With its simple yet delicious flavor profile, these raw banana cutlets are sure to be a hit at any gathering or during festive occasions. The combination of raw bananas with aromatic spices creates a delectable treat that is both satisfying and healthy. Whether served as an appetizer or a light snack, these cutlets will be enjoyed by all.
