VAZHAI THANDU PORIYAL / BANANA STEM STIR FRY

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

Method:
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.

Posted in: Indian Cook