Vazhakkai Poriyal

Raw Banana Masala

Serves: 2

Vazhakkai, unripe bananas have rich fibre and vitamin content. They are recommended for those on a diet because of their low glycemic index. 

Both in Kerala and Tamilnadu, raw bananas are a popular vegetable. A point to note is that only a thin layer of the unripe banana skin is sliced off. The rest is retained for its fibres and vitamins. 

This raw banana masala is, again, a straightforward recipe. You can make it in an instant!

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Ingredients 

• Raw bananas- 2 

• Oil- 5 to 6 tbsp

• Jeera- ¾ tsp

• Jeera powder- ½ tsp

• Garlic- 1 piece

• Curry leaves a few

• Red Chilli powder- 1 tsp

• Sambar- 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder- ¾ tsp

• Salt

Preparation 

1. Thinly slice off the outer skin of the Vazhakkai/raw bananas. Now slice it thin and keep them immersed in water.

2. Take the Chilli, sambar, turmeric powders, and salt in a dish. To it, add a tsp of oil and mix well. Remove the sliced raw bananas from the water and coat them with the masala mixture. 

3. In a wide-mouth pan, temper the oil with jeera and curry leaves. To it, add the masala-coated vegetable. Mix well and close it with a lid. 

4. In a few minutes, add a little hot water. Again close it and allow it to cook. Add crushed garlic, toss the vegetables and add 2 tbsp hot water. Cook for a few minutes. Add in jeera powder and remove it from the fire. 

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Tips

Check the spice level to suit your taste—even the oil. 

Use only green bananas. Even if it is a touch yellow, then don’t cook it.