Maruya (Philippines)

World-Bites (36) / Maruya

The snack or merienda which, while roughly corresponding to the American coffee break or English tea, is really rather different. At merienda time, usually four in the afternoon and sometimes also around ten in the morning, the average Filipino takes his traditional snack. Foods served at merienda can be almost anything. The typical merienda fares, however, are native delicacies made from glutinous rice and coconut. Maruya, banana fritters, are amongst the most popular snacks at merienda time.

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup flour
* 3/4 tsp. baking powder
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 3 ripe saba (banana plantain), peeled and sliced lengthwise
* 2 cups vegetable oil
* flour, for dredging · sugar

Cooking Procedures :

1. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add milk and egg, beat until smooth.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan (or a large saucepan) over medium heat.
3. In batches, roll banana slices in flour and then dip in batter. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels. Roll in sugar. Place in a serving dish and serve.