Vazhai thandu, meaning banana stem is very rich in fiber. It has lot of medicinal properties as well and is recommended for kidney stone problems too. Mostly in South India people use this extensively. It is really very tedious to cut this and remove the fibers. You take the inner part of the stem, slice it and remove the fibers by rolling them with your finger. The chopped portion is immediately immersed in the buttermilk to avoid discolouration.
Here is the recipe of a simple stir fry or poriyal.
Ingredients:
Banana stem .... 1 cup or as needed.
Buttermilk / thin lassi .... 1 glass
Grated coconut ........... 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder ...... 1/8 tsp
Salt ........... to taste
For tempering:
Mustard seeds ... 1 tsp
Urad or moong dal .. 1 tsp
Dry red chillies ....... 1 broken
Curry leaves ........... 1 sprig
Asafoetida ............. 1 pinch
Oil....................... 1-2 tbsps
1. Cut the inner part of the banana stem into small pieces after removing the fibers. Immerse them in butter milk.
2. In a sauce pan add oil and the tempering ingredients.
3. When they crackle, tip in the chopped banana stem and stir fry for a minute.
4. Add salt and turmeric powder and sufficient water to cook the vegetable.
5. Simmer until done
6. Garnish with grated coconut.
Serve as a side dish with rice and sambar.
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ReplyDeleteThanks Heidi
DeleteBanana stem stir fry. I have never eaten this and I don't think you can even buy banana stem in the UK. a very interesting recipe.
ReplyDeleteThis is usually found easily in South India.. Thanks for liking the recipe.
DeleteA really interesting recipe . Thanks for sharing .
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie
DeleteInteresting, never thought of such a recipe or even using banana stem. Thanks for the detailed explanation
ReplyDeleteThanks Renu.
DeleteThis is a new recipe for me too. I notice that you soak the stem in buttermilk. Is that to flavour the stem?
ReplyDeleteNo Mina.. to avoid the discolouring.
DeleteVery healthy n one of my fav veggie. Though it takes time to clean, I feel it’s really worth !
ReplyDeleteTrue Priya .. and heard it is good for those suffering with kidney / Gall Bladder stone problem
DeleteAmazing recipe, I never thought that the stem could be used for cooking. I love how you choose 'off the track' kind of recipes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mayuri.. this is a delicacy in South India...good for health too..specially people suffering from kidney stone problem.
DeleteVery interesting recipe.. do we get banana stem in US stores.. will check out this..
ReplyDeleteThanks .. do check it out.
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