Unnakaya... and a second guest post!

A week ago, I got a message from Lubna from Kitchenflavours asking if I'd do a guest post for her blog, where she's hosting a Ramadan event - Joy from Fasting to Feasting. I was totally psyched to do my second guest post and hopped over to her blog to find out a bit more about her and her space. I was awed when I saw the drool worthy pictures and the fantastic recipes she has shared. Lubna had asked me if I could share a recipe I made often during Ramadan at my home. So, I decided to share a wonderful snack recipe I make at home called Unnakaya. I first had this mouthwatering dish when ummi (wasi's mom) made it for me and I have been crazy about it ever since. So I make these for Iftar quite frequently and freeze the extras for later. I love the textural difference from the crunchy first bite to the smooth melt in the mouth interior with a surprising coconut, cashew and raisin filling. It tastes as heavenly as it sounds, so do try it out... :)

Ingredients: 

• Plantains - 4 large, ripe but firm
• Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
• Cashew nuts - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Raisins - 2 tbsp 
• Granulated sugar - 2 tbsp or as needed
• Cardamom powder - a big pinch 
• Nutmeg powder - a pinch 
• Ghee - 1 tbsp 
• Oil for frying

Method:

• Steam cook the plantains till soft, allow this to cool slightly. 
• Peel off the skin and run a knife through the center to remove the black seeds inside.
• Mash this using a food processor or masher, without adding water and form a dough with no lumps.
• To prepare the filling, heat ghee in a pan, fry the cashews and raisins till golden and plump.
• Add the coconut, sugar, nutmeg and cardamom and toss till the sugar melts and the coconut turns slightly golden. Remove from heat and set it aside.

To read the rest of the instructions, please go to Lubna's amazing blog... :)