VAZHAKKAI VARUVAL

VAZHAKKAI VARUVAL

Today's recipe is from the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. This dish is made with raw bananas - also  known as green bananas. In Tamil, they are called Vazhakkai.  Raw/green bananas are known as Kaccha Kele in Hindi and Balekayi in Kannada. "Varuval" is a kind of dry curry in Tamil.

As you may know, we have always considered raw/green bananas to be a rich source of fibre. This article in NDTV Food speaks of 7 Amazing Green Banana Benefits. 

Elsewhere in this blog you will find recipes for some dishes made with raw bananas such as:-

• Raw/Green Banana Roast
• Vazhakkai Poriyal
• Kele Koddel 

We had this for lunch and enjoyed it very much. I am sure you will like it too!

Ingredients:-

• Vazhakkai (Raw/Green Bananas), 2
• Sambar Powder, 2 tsp
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp
• Urad Dal, 1 tsp
• Asafoetida, 1/4 tsp
• Curry Leaves, 8-10
• Oil, 1 and 1/2 to 2 tbsp
• Salt, to taste

Method:-

Wash the raw bananas  and snip off the two ends

Peel the bananas and slice them  uniformly 

Do not slice them too thin

Place the banana slices in water to avoid discoloration

Heat some water in a pan and boil the banana slices for 2-3 minutes
Immediately drain away the water and allow the banana slices to cool
Boiling the bananas make them a little soft

In a bowl mix together, salt, turmeric powder, and sambar powder

Coat the banana slices uniformly with this mixture

Heat oil in a wide, thick-bottomed pan and on medium flame add the mustard seeds

When they splutter add the urad dal and sauté till it changes colour and turns golden

Next add the asafoetida and the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds

To this add the banana slices that have been coated with the spices
Mix well, gently stirring from time to time

Cook on medium flame till the bananas become crisp
Transfer the Vazhakkai Varuval to a serving bowl 

Serve with rice and dal or sambar as a side dish