Upperi(Banana chips)-ഉപ്പേരി

Ingredients:

• Unripe plantain (ethakka): 3
• Turmeric powder: 1 tsp.
• Salt: 1 tbsp.
• Coconut oil: 4-5 cups.

Directions:

1. Make grooves into the skin of the plantain and peel it off gently.
2. Mix the turmeric powder in a bowl of water and immerse the peeled plantain in this. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and let it reach almost-smoking point
4. Pat the soaked plantain dry using kitchen towels, it's ok if it's a bit moist
5. Using a slicer, slice the plantain into thin discs. You can directly do this into the hot oil (which needs more practice) or do this into another bowl and then add it to the hot oil
6. The chips will sizzle A LOT and then start to brown a bit. Don't let it turn too red, that will spoil the taste. The sizzling will almost subside when the chips are ready
7. Mix the salt in about 2 cups water and keep ready
8. Sprinkle this salt water over the chips when they are still in the oil but ready. Be careful while doing this since the oil is hot - just sprinkle, don't pour
9. Give it a mix and then drain the chips to a kitchen towel to soak up the excess oil
10. Fry all the banana pieces, let cool, and store in airtight containers. Since coconut oil tends to go rancid pretty quickly, finish off the chips within 2-3 days or store in the refrigerator for up to a month