VAZHAKKAI DRY CURRY

VAZHAKKAI DRY CURRY

In my house, I make it a point to make dishes using raw/green bananas from time to time. They can be used in a variety of dishes and also have numerous health benefits.

Today's recipe is for a simple yet tasty side dish called "Vazhakkai Dry Curry" from Tamilnadu.  It gets it's name from Green Bananas being called  "Vazhakkai" in Tamil. These are called "Kachcha Kela" in Hindi. 

Elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes using green/raw bananas such as :-

• Swadisht Vegetable Rolls, 
• Chettinad Vazhakkai Curry, 
• Kele Koddel 

I have adapted today's recipe of Raw Banana Curry from Rak's Kitchen. 

We enjoyed this a lot for lunch and would recommend this dish for you.  I made this using coconut oil for an enhanced taste but of course you can use any other cooking oil as well. 

Ingredients:-

• Vazhakkai ( Raw/Green Banana), large sized, 1
• Onion,1
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Coconut Oil, 1 tbsp

For Seasoning :-

• Mustard Seeds, 3/4 tsp
• Urad Dal, 1 tsp
• Curry Leaves, a sprig
• Coconut Oil, 1 tbsp

For The Masala ( To Grind To A Coarse Paste) :-

• Fresh Coconut Gratings, 2 tbsp
• Coriander Seeds, 1 tbsp
• Black Peppercorns, 1 tsp
• Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Byadgi Red Chillies, 2
• Garlic Cloves, 2

Method:-

Wash and peel the green banana, slit it lengthwise and slice it into pieces 

Immerse the green banana pieces in water to avoid discoloration till further use

Slice the onion lengthwise

In a small mixer jar, grind together fresh coconut gratings, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, Byadgi red chillies and garlic cloves to a coarse paste adding just the required amount of water.

Keep aside. 

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a thick bottomed kadhai and on medium heat add the mustard seeds, when they splutter add the urad dal and sauté till the dal changes colour

Add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds

To this add the sliced onion and sauté till it turns translucent 

Now add the green banana pieces along with the ground paste (prepared earlier), salt, turmeric powder and 1/4 cup of water and mix well 

Cook covered on medium heat for about 4 minutes till the green banana gets done and the water evaporates

Remove the lid, add 2 tsp of oil and cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium heat stirring from time to time till the masala turns golden in colour 

Drizzle a tsp. of coconut oil for some extra flavor 

Transfer to a serving bowl

Serve Vazhakkai Dry Curry along with hot steamed rice and rasam