How Sarkara Varatti Is Made: A Glimpse into Kerala's Traditional Snack Crafting

1. The Essence of Sarkara Varatti

Among the many delicious traditional snacks of Kerala, Sarkara Varatti stands out as a timeless classic. Known as spiced plantain chips or jaggery banana chips, this treat is deeply rooted in Kerala’s food culture and festive traditions.

From Onam Sadhya to Vishu, weddings, and everyday tea times, Sarkara Varatti holds a special place. Typically positioned at the top left of the banana leaf during a Sadhya meal, it serves as a flavorful start to the grand feast. Thick-cut raw plantain slices are deep-fried and coated in a warm jaggery syrup infused with ginger, cardamom, and cumin—offering a divine mix of sweet and spice.

Interestingly, while many acquire a taste for this unique flavor combination over time, for others, it becomes an instant favorite. It’s truly one of those dishes that captures Kerala’s culinary soul.

2. The Heart of Sarkara Varatti – Key Ingredients

The beauty of Kerala Sarkara Varatti lies in its simplicity and the authenticity of its ingredients. Here's what goes into crafting this treasured snack:

• Raw green plantains (Pachakaya) – firm, unripe ones are ideal for texture.

• Grated or powdered jaggery – the soul of the sweet coating.

• Dry ginger powder (Chukku) – for warm spiciness.

• Ground green cardamom and cumin – enhancing aroma and balance.

• Rice flour and powdered sugar – ensure crispness and even coating.

• Coconut oil – the preferred traditional frying medium.

• Optional turmeric-salt water – adds golden color and boosts crispiness.

Note: It’s best to avoid mixing oils when frying. Coconut oil offers an authentic flavor, while sunflower oil is a modern substitute—but don’t combine the two, as coconut oil tends to foam.

3. Crafting the Chips – Preparation & Frying

Step 1: Preparing Plantains

Peel the raw plantains by scoring along the ridges. To avoid sticky sap, rub your hands with oil or dip them in salt water. Slice them semi-round or moon-shaped at about 1/4 inch thick for ideal crunch.

Soak the slices in salt water for 15–20 minutes to prevent discoloration and reduce starch. Then pat them dry thoroughly to avoid oil splatter.

Step 2: Deep Frying to Perfection

In hot coconut oil, fry the chips in small batches. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Fry patiently—anywhere from 15 to 50 minutes—until the chips turn a golden yellowish-brown and sound crisp when tapped.

Optional: Add a salt-turmeric water mix around the 40-minute mark for extra crispiness, but be cautious of bubbling. After frying, let the chips cool completely before the next step. This prevents sogginess when coating.

4. The Sweet & Spiced Coating – Jaggery Syrup & Spice Mix

Step 1: Jaggery Syrup

Dissolve jaggery in warm water and strain to remove impurities. Heat until it reaches a “one-thread consistency”—a drop of syrup should hold its shape in cold water.

Step 2: Spice & Rice Flour Mix

Lightly toast rice flour, then mix with powdered sugar, dry ginger, ground cardamom, and cumin. For best results, grind sugar with cardamom for a fine, aromatic powder.

Step 3: Coating the Chips

In a large pan, pour the warm jaggery syrup over the cooled chips and stir well. Then sprinkle the spiced flour mixture while continuously mixing to coat every piece. The sugar helps prevent clumping, keeping the chips separate and crisp.

Let the coated jaggery banana chips cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

5. Tips for Success & Enjoyment

• Be patient with frying—undercooked chips lose crunch.

• Ensure chips are fully cooled before coating.

• Hit that one-thread consistency in your jaggery syrup.

• Use firm, unripe bananas only.

• Always strain jaggery syrup to avoid grit in the final texture.

Once made, store your homemade Sarkara Varatti in an airtight container to enjoy the authentic crunch for weeks.

Pair with a cup of chai or serve during Onam—it’s perfect either way!

6. Why This Traditional Snack Is Worth Trying

If you’re curious why this snack is cherished across generations, we’ve written a dedicated post on it!
👉 Read: Why Sarkara Varatti Is a Must-Try Sweet Snack from Kerala to discover its rich cultural roots, taste profile, and festive charm.

7. Where to Get Authentic Kerala Sarkara Varatti

While making Sarkara Varatti at home is rewarding, sometimes you just want the real deal without all the effort.

You can now buy Sarkara Varatti prepared the traditional way using premium ingredients and pure coconut oil—just like how it’s made during Onam Sadhya.

Our handcrafted Kerala Sarkara Varatti is:

• Made from freshly sliced Nendran bananas

• Coated in pure jaggery syrup with ginger, cardamom, and cumin

• Deep-fried in coconut oil for authentic taste

Don't miss the chance to indulge in this delicious treat, perfect for gifting or enjoying anytime.

8. Final Thoughts

Sarkara Varatti is more than just a snack—it's a labor of love and a symbol of Kerala’s culinary brilliance. Whether you're preparing it at home or choosing to buy sarkara varatti online, every bite connects you to a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Try it once, and chances are it’ll become a staple in your snack box—one you’ll look forward to with every festive season.