Monday, November 23, 2015

Easy Banana Blossom/Flower Recipes: Stir Fry and Curry

(Updated Version)

Banana blossom, or banana flower, which is the flower from the banana tree, makes its appearance on the banana trees grown in Nava's Zen. This nutritional Zen is often overlooked. While popular in traditional home kitchens, especially among Indians, it’s rarely seen in modern recipes or restaurants. In fact, during my trips to India, I surprisingly didn’t find any banana blossom dishes in eateries. Perhaps it’s due to the meticulous cleaning process, which I've shared in this Zen cuisine.

 

Despite its known Zen benefits, this superfood is slowly fading from our diets, replaced by processed options and supplements. Easy to prepare and delicious in stir-fries and curries, banana blossom allows us to enjoy wholesome flavors while reaping its many health benefits.

Banana Blossom /Flower Stir Fry)

Ingredients

1 banana blossom, cleaned and thinly sliced





5 garlic cloves, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

2 tbsp fresh grated coconut

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 sprigs curry leaves

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste


Method

Heat oil in a pan.

Sauté garlic and onion until golden.

Add coriander and fennel seeds, then stir.

Add coconut and cook for 1-2 minutes.


Stir in banana blossom, turmeric, curry leaves, and salt.
Increase heat and stir-fry until the blossom is tender. 



Banana Blossom/Flower Dal Curry

Ingredients

1 Banana blossom (Vazhaipoo)- cleaned, chopped and soaked in water till cooking time

½ cup Kadalai paruppu/Chana Dal - soaked for at least 4 hours and rinsed

5 shallots – smashed

5 garlic – smashed

1cup coconut milk

½ tbps turmeric powder

Red chili powder: as needed

2 tbsp coconut oil

Salt: To taste

 

Method

Pressure cook dal, shallots, garlic with turmeric powder to soften.

Heat coconut oil, sauté the banana blossom with red chili powder and salt until softened.

Add the cooked dal and coconut milk.

Simmer briefly and remove from heat. 



















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