Vazhakai Chips (Wafers with Raw Plantain)

I always feel some kind of festivity associated with chips.May be its because chips are must in all our south Indian festivals and marriage feast.In our home either potato or this vazhakai chips is a must all in festival feasts like Diwali,Tamil new year or Navaratri.I always like to eat these home made chips only a they can be completely customized,the way I like them.Store bought chips were always in deep yellow colored and very thick.Moreover I am not a big fan of frying things in coconut oil.So our mom always used to prepare chips which are light,golden in colour,very spicy and fried in sunflower oil,just the way I like it :)These chips are so simple to make and way way better than store bought.Give it a try :)

Ingredients:
4 large firm raw plantains
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ghee
Oil for deep frying
Method:
1.Select large firm thick plantains for chips to get more yield.Peel the skin and grate into thin slices.Soak the slices in water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2.Heat oil in a iron kadai for deep frying.In the meanwhile mix salt and turmeric in a small bowl,add some water and keep ready.
3.Once the oil is hot,slide a handful of drained plantain slices in oil.While they are 70% done,sprinkle the salt turmeric water.Remove once the sound reduces and completely done.Repeat the same process in batches.
4.Once done with all the batches,take the chips in a wide plate,add 1 teaspoon of ghee,asafoetida,chilli powder and mix well.Serve hot or store in an airtight container.
Time:30 minutes
Yield:about 250 gms

Notes:
1.You can even make it into thick slices using mandolin slicer.We like to grate because that way it is less dense.
2.If preferred slice with skin on.
3.Be very careful while adding salt water in hot oil as it will splutter all around.Its better to stay at arms length away after adding and wait for the 2-3 minutes.Once the spluttering sound reduces you can be sure it is almost done.
4.You can skip adding chilli powder to keep your chips plain.