Unlock the culinary secrets of South India with this unique recipe for banana flower paste! Often overlooked, this vibrant ingredient holds a surprising depth of flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and earthy complexity to various dishes. From flavorful curries to savory side dishes, banana flower offers a versatile and nutritious addition to your kitchen repertoire. However, many are deterred by the flower's inherent bitterness. This recipe meticulously guides you through the process of preparing a perfectly balanced paste, eliminating any unwanted bitterness and revealing the flower's true potential.
This detailed guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently handle this often-intimidating ingredient. Learn how to select the freshest banana flowers, expertly clean and prepare them, and ultimately create a smooth, flavorful paste ready to elevate your next culinary creation. Ready to discover the delicious possibilities of banana flower? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Cooker
Ingredients
- Banana flower
- Water (rice washing water)
- Salt
- Yogurt: a little
- Small lentils: 50g
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic: 2 cloves, grated
- Red chilies: 3 whole
- Curry leaves
- Small onions: 15, cut lengthwise
- Tomatoes: 1 medium-sized
- Coconut
- Turmeric powder
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Sambar powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Banana Flower
- Clean the banana flower, removing the plastic-like part and the nerve. Cut the cleaned flower into pieces.
Step 2. Soak and Cook the Flower and Lentils
- Soak the cut banana flower in rice washing water with a little salt and yogurt to remove bitterness.
- Cook 50g of small lentils in a cooker until done.
Step 3. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds, then grated garlic and red chilies.
- Add curry leaves and fry the small onions until glassy.
- Add the tomatoes, salt, and cook until slightly fried.
- Add the banana flower and stir frequently to prevent discoloration.
- Add salt and cook until the water from washing the flower evaporates.
- Add a spice blend of ground coconut, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and sambar powder.
- Fry the spices until the green smell is gone (approx. 3 minutes).
Step 4. Combine and Finish
- Add water, and cook until all spices are well combined.
- Add the cooked lentils.
- Mix well, and simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander and curry leaves.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- Soaking the banana flower in rice washing water with salt and yogurt helps prevent bitterness.
- Stir the banana flower frequently while cooking to prevent discoloration.
- Adjust water quantity based on desired consistency (less water for rice accompaniment, more for a side dish).
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbs: 60-70g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Why does banana flower taste bitter, and how do you prevent it?
Banana flower contains tannins that cause bitterness. Soaking it in acidic water (like lemon or tamarind water) and then blanching it helps neutralize the tannins and remove the bitterness.
2. Can I store leftover banana flower paste?
Yes! Store the paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
With this recipe, you've unlocked the potential of banana flower, transforming a sometimes-challenging ingredient into a delicious and versatile paste. Enjoy experimenting with this flavorful addition to your favorite South Indian dishes, from curries to stir-fries. Now go forth and create culinary magic!