Sweet Banana Dumplings (fried banana balls)

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana ((large))
• 2 tablespoon jaggery ((or sugar))
• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• 1 tablespoon fine semolina
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (optional)
• 1 pinch baking soda
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• salt to taste
• Oil to deep fry

Instructions

1. 1

   heat: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or a deep-fryer, heat frying oil over medium heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the dumplings.

2. 2

   mash: In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with sugar until watery.

3. 3

   mix: Add all the ingredients except the flour. Mix well and then start adding the flour little by little until you get the desired consistency.

4. 4

   whip: Flap the batter with your fingers to break down any flour lumps and mix thoroughly. You should be able to scoop the batter with a spoon and use another spoon or rubber spatula to release it into the oil.

5. 5

   fry: Once the oil is hot enough, use a spoon to scoop small portions of the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Maintain the flame on low to medium and drop as many as batter balls your pot can hold (avoid overloading as that will bring down the temp of the oil).

6. 6

   Fry the banana dumplings in batches, ensuring they don't stick together. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.

7. 7

   Remove the fried dumplings from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

8. 8

   Serve the sweet banana dumplings warm and enjoy them as a delightful tea-time treat or a delicious dessert!