Karwar Style Kelya Sasav (Ripened Banana Relish) Recipe
Karwar Style Kelya Sasav is a traditional, sweet-savory dish hailing from the coastal region of Karnataka. Known for its unique combination of ripened bananas, fresh coconut, jaggery, and a touch of heat from dry red chilies, this relish offers a delightful contrast of flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a perfect snack, especially after school, or a unique side dish to complement a breakfast spread. The combination of natural sweetness from the bananas and jaggery, with the freshness of coconut and the mild spice from the chilies, creates an incredibly flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 3 Ripe Bananas – cut into thick roundels
- 1/2 cup Fresh Coconut – grated
- 2 Dry Red Chillies
- 2 teaspoons Jaggery – grated
- Salt – to taste
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 15 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Karnataka (South Indian)
Course:
- Snack / Side Dish
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Grind the Ingredients:
Begin by grinding the grated fresh coconut, jaggery, and dry red chilies together using a hand blender or mortar and pestle. The paste should be coarse, so avoid blending it into a fine mixture. -
Prepare the Bananas:
Slice the ripe bananas into thick roundels, ensuring they are evenly cut to maintain consistency in texture. -
Mix Together:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced bananas with the coarse coconut, jaggery, and chili paste. Toss everything gently to ensure the bananas are evenly coated with the relish mixture. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Karwar Style Kelya Sasav immediately as a sweet and spicy snack. It also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with dishes like Karwar Style Kalingana Polo (Watermelon Rind Dosa) for a traditional, wholesome breakfast.
Tips for Perfecting Karwar Style Kelya Sasav
- Banana Selection: Make sure the bananas are fully ripe but not overripe, as overly soft bananas may lose their shape when mixed.
- Chili Adjustment: You can adjust the number of dry red chilies based on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, you can remove the seeds from the chilies before grinding them.
- Jaggery Substitute: If jaggery is unavailable, you can substitute with brown sugar for a similar caramel-like sweetness, though it won’t quite match the depth of flavor from jaggery.
Serving Suggestions
- This relish can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack, perfect for a school break or a quick afternoon treat.
- It can also complement a hearty breakfast, such as alongside Watermelon Rind Dosa (Karwar Style Kalingana Polo), providing a refreshing balance of sweet and savory flavors.
This Karwar Style Kelya Sasav Recipe is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka, offering a taste of coastal India in a simple, yet deeply flavorful dish. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors in just 15 minutes!