Nendrapazham Varatti / Banana Jam

in Festival recipe, Navaratri recipe

 

 

Nendrapazha jam or Varatti is as tasty as the Jackfruit Varatti or Jam . Unlike jams which are produced commercially ,with have high level of pectin ,this jam has natural  sweetness and  goodness of banana. This jam should be prepared . with Kerala variety of banana , called Nendrampazham. The prepared jam, can be used for making , Nendrapazha  Payasam, too. The jam can be used as side dish too, for children along with Chapathi.

 

The bananas chosen,  should be very ripe , otherwise the jam would’nt get the right taste or flavour.

Ingredients

  1. NendraPazham ( Kerala variety long banana)     half a dozen
  2. Ghee half a cup
  3. Jaggery ( powdered)      nearly  1 3/4 cups to 2 cups

Method

  • Peel and chop the bananas.
  • Pressure cook or steam the bananas, till they become soft and mushy .
  • Mash them well with a fork or a masher .
  • Take a deep bottomed pan or Uruli , add the mashed bananas  and jaggery and cook in medium heat .
  • The jaggery will melt and mixture will become loose .Gradually the whole mixture  will thicken  . Stir often.
  • When it becomes thick and sticky , add the ghee and stir again .
  • Stir continuously and the mixture will start,  leaving the kadai . Remove from heat and let it cool.
  • This jam is very tasty and children love this dish. Can be stored for a long time .

Note

  •  With the Jam, NendraPazha  Payasam,  can be made . Take half a cup of the jam and add 1 cup of water and stir. Cook in low heat to a boil .
  • Add coconut milk (1 cup ) and boil for two to three minutes . Garnish with fried cashews and cardamom.
  • Quick Payasam,  is ready to serve .