Vazhakoombu Thoran - Plantain Flower Stir Fry

Plantain is cultivated in most of the households in Kerala as well as other southern Indian states. It requires a lot of water and close attention for its growth. As soon as Malayalees find a portion of land, they think of planting a coconut tree or plantain. Reason ? Most of the parts of these two can be utilized :)

Banana as we all know is widely consumed, banana leaf is used for serving as well as used in grilling fish/meat. The stem and the flower of this wonderful tree is also used in cooking. Here will show you a recipe with the flowers.

Apart from medicinal properties it has dietary fibers, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin E and flavonoids. It also works against infections and diabetes. Hence, while cooking we should not let go all these nutrition!

Ingredients

1. Plantain Flower ( One) - If you are buying from Market. try to use within two days. When you open the Red flaps, you will find flowers inside. It should be fresh, means shouldn't be black in color and should be soft and yellow .
2. Cumin Seeds - ½ teaspoon
3. Green Chilly - 2
4. Garlic - 4 cloves
5. Turmeric Powder - ½ teaspoon
6. Salt- to Taste
7. Urad Dal/ Black Gram - For tempering
8. Small Onion - 5
9. Grated Coconut - 4 tablespoon
10. Curry Leaves- For tempering
11. Dry Red Chilly - 2
12. Mustard Seeds
13. Oil- ½ teaspoon

How to Make?

1. Extract the fresh flowers and finely chop.
2. Finely slice small onions/shallots.
3. Crush Grated coconut, green chilly, garlic and cumin seeds together.
4. Take a shallow plate and mix chopped flowers and crushed ingredients from step # 3 , along with turmeric powder, red chilly powder, salt and sliced onion.
5. Take a pan and heat a tea spoon of oil and add urad dal and mustard seeds. When they starts to crack, add red chilly and finally curry leaves.
6. To this , add the mix from step # 4. Close the pan and cook in medium flame for couple of minutes.
7. Steam from the pan is enough for cooking the flowers.

Now serve this hot with rice and enjoy a healthy meal :)