Banana Cutlet Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Snacking
Looking for a snack that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory? The Banana Cutlet is your answer. This unique recipe transforms simple kitchen staples like ripe bananas and boiled potatoes into golden, crispy delights bursting with aroma and flavor. Whether served at a tea party, as an evening snack, or during festive gatherings, these cutlets are sure to earn you compliments. They’re quick to make, nutritious, and packed with taste—a true example of comfort food with an innovative twist.
What Makes Banana Cutlets So Special
Most Indian snacks revolve around spicy, tangy, or fried elements such as samosas and pakoras. While those are classics, the banana cutlet stands out for its blend of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combines beautifully with the earthy taste of mashed potatoes and the fragrance of Indian spices. The result? An irresistible snack that is both comforting and exciting.
Banana cutlets are a popular dish across South Indian households, particularly in Kerala, where bananas feature in numerous snacks and desserts. But this recipe has gained popularity everywhere because it’s versatile—you can tweak it for your own flavor preferences, serving it with anything from green chutney to tangy tamarind sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering snack, you don’t need to hunt for fancy ingredients. Most of these are already in your kitchen.
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2 ripe bananas (medium-sized) – ensure they’re sweet and just firm enough
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2 boiled potatoes – mashed smoothly
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1 green chili – finely chopped for a mild kick
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1 small onion – finely chopped
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½ teaspoon grated ginger – for fresh, zesty flavor
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2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped
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½ teaspoon cumin powder – adds earthy spice
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½ teaspoon garam masala – to bring warmth and aroma
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Salt – as per taste
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3 tablespoons bread crumbs – for binding, plus extra for coating
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Oil for shallow frying – any neutral cooking oil works well
Optional additions:
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A pinch of chili flakes for spice lovers
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Lemon juice for subtle tang
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Finely grated carrot or beetroot for color and extra nutrition
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Follow these simple steps to make perfectly crisp and flavorful banana cutlets at home.
Step 1: Mash and Mix the Base
Start by peeling the ripe bananas. Place them in a mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks, as the smoother the texture, the better the consistency of your cutlet.
Next, add the mashed boiled potatoes. The potatoes help balance the natural sweetness of bananas and give the cutlets a soft, creamy base. Mix well until both ingredients combine evenly.
Step 2: Add the Flavors
Once the base is ready, it’s time to bring in the flavor. Add the finely chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, and fresh coriander leaves. These ingredients give the cutlet a burst of freshness with a hint of spice.
Now sprinkle in cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. These spices enhance the banana’s sweetness with a warm, savory touch. Mix the entire mixture gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Finally, add the bread crumbs to the mixture. They act as a binding agent, helping the mixture hold shape while frying. If the mixture feels sticky, add a little more bread crumb until you can easily form cutlets.
Step 3: Shape the Cutlets
Take a small portion of the mixture—about the size of a lemon—and shape it between your palms. You can mold them into round patties or oval discs depending on your preference.
Spread some extra bread crumbs on a plate and roll each shaped cutlet in them gently. This coating will ensure the outer layer turns crisp and golden during frying.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a flat frying pan over medium flame. Test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny piece of the mixture—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Place the prepared cutlets gently in the pan and fry them in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as that can reduce the crispiness.
Fry each cutlet on medium flame for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until both sides turn golden brown and crisp. Flip carefully to avoid breaking.
Once done, remove them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious banana cutlets are now ready! Serve them hot with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, or sweet tamarind dip. They also pair beautifully with masala chai or black coffee—making them an ideal snack for monsoon evenings or casual get-togethers.
Tips for Best Results
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Choose ripe but firm bananas: Overripe ones can make the mixture too mushy and difficult to shape.
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Adjust spice as you prefer: Add chili flakes or a pinch of pepper for extra heat.
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For a healthier version: Instead of shallow frying, you can bake or air-fry the cutlets. Brush lightly with oil and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes or air-fry until golden.
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Experiment with fillings: Add a bit of grated cheese, roasted peanuts, or corn kernels inside each cutlet for a fun surprise.
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Keep the flame medium: High heat can brown the outer layer too quickly, leaving the inside uncooked.
Why You’ll Love Banana Cutlets
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A New Way to Use Bananas:
This recipe is perfect when you have ripe bananas lying around. Instead of turning them into smoothies or desserts, use them creatively in this savory snack. -
Balanced Flavor Profile:
The unique blend of sweetness from bananas, spiciness from chili, and warmth from Indian spices makes every bite flavorful and satisfying. -
Crispy on the Outside, Soft Inside:
Thanks to the bread crumb coating, the cutlets have a crisp golden crust while staying soft and moist inside. -
Kid-Friendly Snack:
Children who usually refuse bananas will love these delicious patties. Serve them with tomato ketchup, and they’ll be an instant hit! -
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s an evening tea, a school tiffin, or a festive party, banana cutlets fit every mood and setting. They’re easy to make ahead and reheat without losing taste or texture.
Nutritional Benefits
Banana cutlets don’t just score on taste—they’re packed with nutrition too.
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Bananas are a rich source of potassium, fiber, and natural energy, promoting good digestion and metabolism.
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Potatoes add essential carbohydrates and vitamin C, keeping you full and providing energy.
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Onions and spices support digestion and immunity, while coriander leaves add antioxidants.
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When shallow-fried or baked, these cutlets remain light yet fulfilling—perfect for a balanced diet.
Variations You Can Try
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, banana cutlets open up endless creative possibilities.
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South Indian Style: Add curry leaves and mustard seeds for an authentic regional flavor.
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Cheese-Stuffed Banana Cutlets: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each cutlet before frying for a gooey surprise.
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Beetroot Banana Cutlets: Mix grated beetroot with banana and potato mash for vibrant color and extra nutrients.
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Oats-Coated Cutlets: Replace bread crumbs with crushed oats for a healthier crunch.
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Sweet Version: Skip onions and spices, and instead mix mashed bananas with coconut, cardamom, and a touch of honey for a sweet snack variation.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting your banana cutlets beautifully adds to their appeal. Here are a few serving ideas:
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Place them on a platter lined with lettuce or banana leaves for a rustic look.
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Garnish with finely chopped coriander or grated cheese before serving.
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Pair with dips such as mint-coriander chutney, spicy garlic sauce, or yogurt-based dip.
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For a global twist, serve them in burger buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the banana cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, pop them into an oven, air fryer, or tawa; avoid microwaving, as that can make them soggy. If storing the uncooked mixture, refrigerate it for up to a day and shape/fry fresh before serving.
Final Thoughts
Banana cutlets are a delightful fusion of taste, texture, and tradition. They’re a reminder that great recipes often come from simple, everyday ingredients. Perfectly crispy yet soft and flavorful, these cutlets are guaranteed to impress guests and family alike.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick tea-time snack, or simply want to try something new, this Banana Cutlet Recipe offers a fun way to elevate your snacking routine while keeping it easy, delicious, and nutritious.
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