Maruya Recipe (Banana Fritters)

Origin of the Maruya

Maruya is a type of fritter originated in the Philippines. They are famously sold by street vendors and are also common as home-made snack among Filipinos. These are typically made of saba bananas which are thinly "fanned" sliced coated in batter then deep fried and are sweetened by dredging in white sugar.

When is it typically served?

Maruya or Banana Fritters are famously served as snacks by Filipinos, you can see it sold in the school canteen, street stalls or even cooked at home as snack for the Family, though some consider this as their light meal. You can definitely see this snack during Fiestas as well, served in the table for the guests. This food though not traditionally, can also be served with jackfruit slice on the side and is best paired with your favorite juice drink.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

Maruya is also famous home-made snack, so you better prepare the following kitchen utensils if you are planning on cooking this one for your family:

• Chopping board
• Cutting knife
• Bowl
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Serving plate

Maruya’s Primary Ingredient – Saba Bananas.

Maruya is primarily made of saba bananas which is a type of banana famous In the Philippines because it is primarily a cooking banana and one of the most important varieties of banana in the Philippine cuisine. It is also generally known as “cardaba”. And its fruits provide the same nutrients as potatoes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and is mostly common in Filipino dishes and desserts. This type of banana is available nationwide in the Philippines and is also exported abroad. Most people buy this at the grocery stores, but they can also be made with plantains.

Interesting Facts

• Saba banana is the main ingredient of the famous Filipino condiment, banana ketchup.
• Unlike other fruits that are seasonal, saba bananas are available all year round.
• Cardaba bananas may be eaten raw, although it is usually a cooking banana.
• There are health benefits associated with Cardaba bananas such as soothing acidic stomach, high in fiber, low in calorie, improves vision, and may promote heart health due to its potassium and magnesium content. In addition, this type of banana also helps anemic people as it is loaded with iron, and since anemia is caused by lack of iron, it will help those with iron deficiency.

Tips and Tricks When Making Maruya or Banana Fritters

• If you want another variation of banana fritters, you can as well use sweet potatoes. They are called maruyang camote (sweet potato fritters).

• Ripe saba bananas are also used in dishes like humba which is used as a sweetening ingredient.

• Make sure that your oil is hot enough before putting the bananas to fry, otherwise your banana fritters will absorb more oil and will not be as crispy. To ensure correct temperature, you may use deep-fat thermometer to monitor and adjust heat as needed, we recommend putting it at 375° Fahrenheit or 190° Celsius.

• You can use paper towel and fold it on top of your serving bowl or plate before putting the newly fried maruya (banana fritters) in order for the excess oil to be absorbed.

You are now ready for your best merienda in the house. Banana fritters is very simple to make and perfect for afternoon snacks. You want to make it more special? You can even add a twist on it. Instead of just rolling it over to some sugar you can add chocolate or strawberry syrup to give your snack a sweeter flavor. This is also business-friendly since its cost is very affordable, best for business. Plan your costing now and start your new business with this sweet snack recipe.