Crazy for chips

• Make'em at home

By word of mouth, manioc chips have become a favourite among the crowd. Chamintha Thilakarathna finds out more about this popular snack

Mmmmm........fancy munching some crispy, savoury chips? Bet you do. While we are all familiar with potato chips, manioc chips are becoming the hottest craving in town. Some people almost commit suicide trying to cross the road during evening traffic hours all in pursuit of these yummy manioc chips. Not only are traffic blocks created, but also crowded pavements- all due to people's urge to buy a packet of these tasty bites to munch on their way home.

By word of mouth, the manioc chip has become popular in a matter of weeks. And, aren't we glad about it.

Although manioc chips were available in the market in small quantities, their growing popularity in the Colombo suburbs can be attributed to a few enterprising young men who have made the chip their business.

The Mirror Magazine's search for popular manioc chip stalls took us to Sudath, better known in Dehiwela's Saranankara Road area as 'Miami Bites Sudath'.

The twenty five year old says that he makes chips off a minimum of 50 kilograms per day. With manioc sacks stacked around him, he was busy peeling the yams when the Mirror Magazine met him.

At Miami Bites you have a temptingly wide choice of chips...... from crispy long lasting manioc chips to the more weighty ones that are thicker and less crispy. He also makes his speciality..... hot hot potato chips once in a while.

"Manioc chips are very popular. In the evenings there are a number of regular customers from office vans and neighbourhood residents for whom I keep chips," Sudath said.

Earning a profit of Rs.400 per day by selling portions of chips at Rs.5 and Rs.10, he has a large fan club of regular customers.

"We come here often. These manioc chips are so tempting. It is difficult to go pass the chip stall without stopping to buy," said Olivia who works at Don Carolis.

As for Shifnaz Mohamed it's simply the taste and the addiction to the crispy chip that brings her to the stall almost every day.

The popularity of the manioc chip does not end there. In fact, we came across those who buy the chips in bulk for house parties.

"I prefer manioc chips to others in the market because they are locally made, hence fresh and extremely tasty," said Saman Arunaiyah from Wellawatta.

There's is no question about their taste. In most instances, a packet does not last for more than five minutes once purchased.

Although dieticians may not approve of this newly found delicacy, this would be one instance where most of us would give into temptation and overlook their advice.

"It's difficult. I try not to eat chips because I am already plump. But, when you see a manioc chip packet or someone else tucking in, there is no stopping me from walking over to buy some," said thirty-six-year old Ranmali Dasanayaka from Katubedda.

Sudath says he buys the manioc from Piliyandala and carries it from his residence in Panadura to his Saranankara road stall. Although manioc chips have become a household favourite, for Sudath it's only a means of livelihood to maintain his family, brothers and sisters along with his old father. Not only has the chip provided Sudath with a sufficient source of income but also with an enjoyable profession.

So what's so special about the manioc chip that makes us queue up for more? As many people said it's the taste. The chillie powder that is sprinkled onto the well fried chip no doubt enhances its irresistible flavour .

Then, why not the potato chip we find in shops? Many chip lovers point to the the price. Most potato chips while delicious certainly, are beyond the average customer's purse. Some customers also believe that it is important to promote local chip producers and people like Sudath who are trying to make an honest living while assisting the manioc farmers as well.

Make'em at home

If trekking all the way to a 'chip shop' doesn't appeal to you, you can try making the chips at home. All you need is manioc, some cooking oil, a fine grater, and some salt and chillie powder for taste.

Firstly, peel the manioc and grate it thinly. Of course, one could cut it in fairly large pieces also, but if you want crispy chips it should be grated thin. For more starchy chips, the manioc should be sliced thicker.

Then, simply add some oil into a frying pan on medium heat and put in the already cut manioc. But, make sure to take them out of the frying pan when the chips turn golden. Fried too long the chips lose their taste. In the case of thicker chips, do not keep the chips in the pan for longer than one or two minutes. The idea of the thicker chip is to save the nutrition . Thinly cut chips should also not be over fried. Later, add salt and chillie powder for flavour.

Note that the thicker chips cannot be kept for too long, since they have only been half fried to retain their nutritive value.

Therefore, unless one wishes to eat the chip shortly after it is fried, do not go for the thick chip. As for the thin crispy chip, it could be kept for a fairly long period.

Thank you for my life

By Udena .R. Attygalle

"Thank you for saving my life" are the words below of a lovely picture of a dog, hanging on a wall at the Pet Vet clinic.

This story is about that very special dog in the picture. His name is Tanga. His story is proof of man's cruelty and also his great love for this most wonderful of pets. It is also an inspiring tale of courage and of spirit shown by a little dog.

Tanga's story starts in April 1997, when he was brought to the Pet Vet clinic by a lady from Mount Lavinia .

The lady claimed that she had found him in the streets with both his front paws cut , the left at a higher point than the right. The cuts were so precise that the only person responsible had to be a (inhumane) human with a sharp instrument. The pup was about 2 1/2 months old. Its coat indicated that it was a Labrador cross.

The floor at the clinic was soon wet with blood, the puppy it appeared would not make it through the night. The only humane thing to do it seemed, was to put him to sleep. While the doctors were tearfully deliberating on what course of action to take, the puppy kept struggling to get up. His front legs were too short and too weak for him to do so and he would fall down in a heap each time he tried. But giving up was not a part of the little fellow's character. He kept showing that he wanted to live. This show of courage by a little creature that fate had treated so cruelly pulled at the heart strings of Dr Vipuli and Lalani,who worked there.They could not go through with it. The pup, they decided would be kept at the clinic .

As days went by Tanga as he was christened, grew attached to all at the clinic. They were looking out for a suitable owner for him when they found Shivanthi of the Maharaja Broadcasting Cooperation. She took him on, and so began a very special kind of relationship. The connection it seemed was instant.

For the first few months Tanga's front paws had to be regularly bandaged, because his wounds were still very raw. But gradually they healed and Tanga got used to walking on his shortened front paws.

At first Tanga was a bit shy but later turned out to be as naughty as any little puppy would be. Big holes in Shivanthi's best carpet are the work of a very mischievous Tanga. But even now Tanga hates to be on his own. Maybe the trauma of those early days still haunts him.

Tipsy, Shivanthi's female dog immediately adopted Tanga. The first few days they slept cuddled up together, but nowadays Tanga prefers to cuddle up with Shivanthi in her bed instead!

Tanga eats most things he is given. Shivanthi is a vegetarian and does not bring meats into the house, so "fried kadala" has turned out to be his favorite!

Handicapped Tanga is unable to keep up with other dogs when running . Often he stops half way and cries out in desperation, frustrated and baffled as to why he can't run as fast.

But then he also knows how to make use of his situation. When he is lazy to get on to the bed or get out of it, he puts on a show and waits until he is carried.!

The only major scare Shivanthi has had with him was when he had to be operated , because of a obstruction in his throat. A chicken bone had somehow got stuck,causing his stomach to bloat alarmingly.

These days Shivanthi admits "Tanga is a bit spoiled." But then anyone who has seen Tanga would never blame her.

Tanga, this bundle of joy has taught Shivanthi an important lesson. That, no matter how unkindly fate treats you, a happy spirit can never be put down.

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