Vazhaikai Podimas / Plantain Spicy Stir-Fry

Did you know that every part of the banana tree is edible or has its uses? Banana, Plantain, Banana Blossom, Banana Stem are all used in Indian cooking and Banana Leaf is the traditional way of serving food in. I love banana stem and would love to eat the stir-fry with yogurt. I do not get it where I live and miss it so much. Plantains are also not common either and I picked up these plantains during my grocery shopping promising my better half that he will get his favorite bajji (fritters). I did make the ever famous Vazhaikai Bajji (Plantain Fritters) on a gloomy Sunday evening. But also reserved one for making this favorite podimas for myself. I used the spice mix powder I made for preparing the Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu.
Also do check out my Vazhaipoo Vadai and Baked Vazhaipoo Vadai.

Ingredients:

Serves - 2
Plantain/Vazhaikai - 1
Oil - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - 4
Onion - chopped fine - 1/2 cup
Spice mix powder - 2 tsp (recipe follows)

Method:

Boil about 1 litre of water with half a tsp of salt and a pinch of turmeric powder. Cut the ends off of the plantain slice it into half and drop it into the boiling water and cook it covered. To check for done-ness insert a knife and see if it goes through smoothly. Make sure that the plantain does not turn mushy. It should be firm but done. Drain the water and allow it to cool. Peel the skin off and grate the cooked plantain. Grating the plantain when it is hot or if it is mushy would spoil its texture. Heat oil in a non stick pan and add the mustard seeds and urad dhal. When the mustard seeds splutter add the curry leaves and chopped onion. When the onions turn translucent add the spice powder and mix. Add the grated plantain and mix well. Cook for about 2 mins and remove from heat. Serve with rice. I enjoyed it with Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu.

Spice mix powder:
Oil - 1 tsp
Fenugreek - 1/2 tsp
Dry Red Chillis - 7
Toor dhal - 3 tsp
Urad dhal - 3/4 tsp
Chana dhal - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste
Method:
Heat oil and fry all the ingredients (except salt) in medium heat for about 5-7 mins. When roasted well, allow it to cool and grind to a fine powder in a mixie/coffee grinder adding salt.

Sending this to ABC series - B for Banana event by Ramya.