Vazhaithandu or banana stem stir fry - a curry made with coconut, green chillies, jeera pounded coarsely and added to the cooked vegetable. Banana stem is rich in fiber and is recommended by the doctors to include in the diet at least twice a week.It is good for weight watchers also, since it is less in calories and gives the feeling of fullness when consumed in lesser quantities.
Vazhaithandu soup, or vazhaithandu juice is proven to be beneficial for the people suffering from kidney stones.
Key Ingredients:
Banana Stem - Thin variety is tender and good to use.
Spices - jeera, Chillies are used.
Spice Powders - Turmeric powder imparts a nice yellow colour to the dish and is antibacterial too. Hing is used
Salt - Fine pink salt is used. White salt may be used.
Seeds - Mustard is used.
Lentils - Split urad dal and chana dal are used.
Oils and fats - Coconut oil is used.Though you can use any oil.
Herbs - curry leaves are used.
Coconut - fresh as well as dessicated can be used.
Method:
- Chop the veggies.
- Add the tempering, Saute the veggies.
- Add masala, Toss.
Substitutions:
Cabbage, okra, banana flower, cluster beans, beans, carrot - beans, snake gourd ,greens like amaranth,are some of the vegetables that can be prepared in a similar manner.
Variations:
You can also use 1/2 'ginger instead of jeera in the masala paste.
Suggested Serving:
The stir fry is a great accompaniment for all kinds of rice. Goes well with roti and dal.
Equipment Used: Kadai, blender,chopper.
Recipe:
Preparation time: 30 minutes:
No.of persons - 4
1 cup = 200ml
Ingredients:
Banana stem - 1
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste
Grind :
Coconut - 1/4 cup
Green chillies - 2
Jeera - 1/2 tsp
Tempering:
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard - 1/2 tsp
Urad dal - 1 tsp
Chana dal - 1 tsp
Red chillies - 2
Asafoetida - a pinch
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Directions:
1.Remove the shiny, outer skin from the banana stem with the help of a knife.(In some cases the outer covering comes as a whole). Cut the inside fibrous part into roundels. While doing, so remove the thread or hair like structures present in the stem by winding them into your forefinger. Cut the roundels into pieces. Immerse them in water or buttermilk else they get blackened.
2.Grind the coconut,green chillies and jeera coarsely.
3.Heat a kadai. Add the seasoning mustard, urad dal, chana dal,red chillies, asafoetida,curry leaves in that order.
4.Add the cut banana stem pieces from water, turmeric powder, salt. Sprinkle some water and cook the vegetable till tender.
5.Add the ground mixture. Mix well. When all the water has evaporated ,remove from heat.
Notes:
- Grind the coconut - green chilli-jeera mixture coarsely, else the curry will become soggy.
- Remove the thread like structures which comes out out while cutting the stem.
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