DISH NAME : VAZHAKUDAPPAN ULARTHIYATHU (BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY)

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : 15 minutes

Description

Banana flower is a rich source of fibre.
Cow peas are brown in color with black eye.Cowpeas provide a rich source of proteins and calories, as well as minerals and vitamins.
Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. The seeds are usually about 1 or 2 mm in diameter. Mustard seeds may be colored from yellowish white to black. The seeds can be black,brown and yellow mustard. In indian cooking mustard is used mainly for tempering.
Turmeric powder is a bright yellow spice powder made from dried turmeric roots. Turmeric powder is one among the three main spice powders used in Indian cooking, the other 2 being chilli and corriander powders. The presence of ‘curcumin’ makes it suitable for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Turmeric is also used in Hindu religious ceremonies.
Coconut oil contains saturated fats that are different from those present in animal fats. Like other vegetable oils, coconut oil also does not contain cholesterol. Organic virgin and refined coconut oil is readily available in the market. Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking and frying in South Indian cusine, specially Kerala. It is also used for head and body massage. Coconut oil contains about 50 per cent lauric acid. The only other abundant source found in nature is human breast milk. Lauric acid is good for health.Even though coconut oil is a fat, it actually promotes weight loss because of the healthy medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like carbohydrates. So the body uses the fat in coconut oil to produce energy, rather than be stored as body fat. Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Ayurvedic Note

1) Banana flower helps in eliminating small kidney stones, in general cases.
2) Helps in bowel movements.
3) Helps in gastritis and ulcer.
4) Rich in vitamin and minerals.

Note

1) Apply oil on hands before attempting to clean and chop banana flowers or use hand gloves to prevent discolouration of hands.
2) 2 banana flowers weighing totally 700gms., after cleaning will weigh around 100gms.
3) Banana flowers can also be cooked with either white or brown cow pea. In that case, boil peas with salt till cooked. Then add with banana flower and cook along. These beans need either soaking overnight or soak for about 30 minutes in hot water. For faster cooking, use a pressure cooker.

Method

1) Start opening the outer leaves of banana flower one by one. Keep peeling until you reach the white / cream flower heart.
2) Chop the heart of the flower finely. Immediately add a pinch of turmeric powder to prevent discoloration.
3) To the chopped flower, add 1 tbsp. of coconut oil and mix well with hand. Keep aside for about 20 minutes. Then using a fresh broom stick or a fork, stir the chopped flower to remove thread like fibrous substance. Then wash well.
4) Heat oil. splutter mustard seeds.
5) Add curry leaves and shallots and fry till brown.
6) Add turmeric and chilli powder. when masalas are done, add coconut grated and fry well.
7) Then add banana flower and salt to taste. Cook on a low fire with lid on. Do not add water. let it cook for about 8 minutes. Adjust seasoning and remove from fire.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice.