Upperi Kappa Varuthathu | Kappa Chips & Kappa Podi | Traditional Tapioca Chips (Kerala Style)

Upperi Kappa /sun dried tapioca  is a traditional recipe of Kerala.This particular recipe has many nostalgic memories associated with it and so you can imagine my attachment to this recipe.Our great grandparents reserved the fresh tapiocas in the forms of upperi kappa,vatta kappa and many other forms to use it through out the year when there was no fresh tapioca available after the season ends.That's how this recipe was researched out in their time and was carried on to generations.This is then fried in oil and munched whenever needed.Upperi kappa is worth while of all the efforts done.Nowadays,people hardly take time to preserve this at home and rather buy tapioca chips from bakeries.But my mom still does this just to recreate the old tastes and so,I had bought these specially prepared packet of upperi kappa with me when I packed my baggage.Its difficult to find such products here,but whoever can try this recipe will definitely love it !!!

Ingredients
upperi kappa(see notes)/tapioca  3 fistful
grated coconut 1/2 cup
sugar granulated 3tbsp(as needed)
cardamom powder 1/2 tsp
oil to deep fry

Method

Upperi kappa before frying

PROCESS OF MAKING UPPERI KAPPA- Mom made these upperi kappa at home.It is a long process,by first peeling the thick brown and pink skin of the tapioca.Then chop it small and thin( or cut in big pieces and once you boil,remove and then cut length wise in thick pieces).Wash 3-4 times under running water until the water runs clear.Then,the tapioca is brought to a boil with water,wait till it becomes half tender.Immediately drain the tapioca using a slotted spoon and colander.Leave in the colander till the water is drained out.Spread this on a plastic sheet/mat outside in the sun,its brought back at dawn and repeated every day until it becomes dry,shrinked and crisp( see the pic above). Store in airtight bags for 6 months.

 MAKING CHIPS -
Heat a wok/kadai with oil .Wait till its hot,slide in the sun dried tapiocas/upperi kappa and keep turning all sides till it becomes crisp and lightly browned.Drain on paper towel and then sprinkle little salt.Serve warm or make this recipe below to enjoy the tapioca powder/Upperi kappa podi just like avalose podi.

MAKING KAPPA PODI-
If you plan to make podi,then transfer it to a jar and pulse 6-7 times in a blender until its coarsely done. Add in the sugar,grated coconut,cardamom powder.Mix well with hands and enjoy with tea.

You may also be interested to try tapioca chips, the link is here.