Banana Stem Stir Fry | Vazhaithandu Poriyal | Plantain Stem Stir Fry

Banana Stem to me was a challenge recipe after Pavakkai, once I overcame the dislike to a vegetable that was once dread by me, I did want to explore possibilities with Banana Stem/ Vazhaithandu and I was on a look out for a simple recipe that was quick and easy to do. To my surprise I have started to love this veg and made this porriyal almost thrice and its a great accompaniment with Pavakka Puli Kozhambhu. The sweet taste of the Vazhaithandu complements the slightly  bitter and tangy taste of the Puli kozhambu. Now that's what I call as a perfect combination. For all those who think of Priya has too much non veg the news is we do eat a lot of veg and almost 3-4 days a week we eat veg at home and there are those days when we don't want anything to do with non veg and the soul reason would be an overdose of non veg recipes. If you are like me who hates this veg try this simple stir fry and I am sure you will love it.


This is a simple and easy to do side. I must thank Raks for sharing this recipe and teaching me how to cook them

Recipe Source ~ Raks

Serves ~ 2

Cook time ~ 8 mins

Prep time ~ 20 mins

Ingredients

Banana Stem - 1 palm size length-wise

Lime juice - 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Salt - as needed

Split Moong Dal - 2 tbsp

Mustard seed - 1/2 tsp

Chana Dal - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - 3-4

Red Chilli - 2 

Method 

• Wash the banana stem and remove the outer skin and discard the ends as well. Fill a bowl with water and mix salt and lime juice in it, cut the banana stem into discs, discard all the fibers that comes while cutting and soak in the prepared bowl.
• Chop the discs into tiny squares or mince like the way I did it, gives more flavor when minced. Add the split moong dal, salt and turmeric and mix well, set aside for 15 mins
• In a pan heat oil and temper the mustard seeds, curry leaf, red chilli, channa dal and add the minced banana stem discarding all the water in them.
• Sprinkle water and cook under a covered lid until done, should take 5-7 mins

Serve along with curry and rice.

Cooks Wisdom

- Soaking the discs in water with lime helps it from turning brown

- You can also add shredded coconut towards the end for more flavor

- Mincing the banana stem does make it easy to eat and more flavor

- The moong dal gets cooked well so no need to cook them separately