RAW BANANA STIR FRY KERALA STYLE

RAW BANANA STIR FRY KERALA STYLE

Raw/Green Bananas are known to be rich in fibre and potassium. They are often used in dishes made in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. In Malayalam and Tamil, raw/green bananas are called Vazhakka. In Kannada, they are known as Balekayi.

Being good for health, I make dishes using raw/green bananas from time to time. Elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes for Vazhakkai Poriyal, Raw/Green Banana Roast, and our own Kele Koddel from Konkani cuisine.

This dish has been adapted from Vazhakka Mezhukkupuratti in the well known website Padhu's Kitchen.

Ingredients:-

• Raw/Green Bananas, 2
• Baby Onions, 10
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Pepper Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Garlic Cloves, 2
• Byadgi Red Chillies, 2 
• Coconut Oil, 2 tsp
• Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp
• Curry Leaves, a few

Method:

Wash, peel and cube the raw bananas. Soak them in water to avoid discolouration
Heat water in a pan, add the cubed raw bananas along with turmeric powder and salt
Cook the raw bananas till they get done taking care that they do not get overcooked as bananas get cooked quite fast
Drain the excess water and keep aside the cooked raw bananas

Peel the baby onions and garlic cloves
In a small mixer jar, coarsely grind the baby onions, garlic cloves and red chillies without adding any water. Keep aside

Heat coconut oil in a pan and on medium heat add the mustard seeds
When they splutter add the curry leaves and saute for a few seconds
Next add the onion-chilli-garlic paste prepared earlier
Mix well and saute till the raw smell goes

To this add the cooked bananas, pepper powder and salt as required
Cook on medium heat for a few minutes till the bananas get well blended with the spices
Switch off the gas and transfer the RawBanana Stir Fry to a serving bowl