Unnakai

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Unnakai (also known as Unnakaya, Innipenkai, or Kai Ada) is a spindle-shaped sweet dessert from the Malabar region of Kerala, India. It is a traditional dish prepared mainly during the festive seasons and is a popular snack among the Mappila community.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The main ingredients of Unnakai are plantains, coconut, and sugar. The plantains used are of the Nendra variety, which are ripe and large. The coconut is grated and mixed with sugar. Some variations of the recipe also include eggs, cashew nuts, and raisins.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

The preparation of Unnakai involves several steps. First, the plantains are boiled and the skin is removed. The boiled plantains are then mashed into a dough-like consistency. The grated coconut and sugar mixture is cooked separately until it becomes a thick filling. The mashed plantains are then shaped into spindles, filled with the coconut mixture, and sealed. The filled spindles are then deep-fried until golden brown.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Unnakai is a significant dish in the Malabar cuisine. It is traditionally prepared during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as during weddings and other celebrations. The dish is also a popular snack during the Ramadan fasting period.

Variations[edit | edit source]

There are several variations of Unnakai across different regions. In some areas, the filling is made with jaggery instead of sugar. Some variations also include spices such as cardamom and cloves for added flavor.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD