Vazhachundu Thoran
Description
Vazhachundu (also known as Vazha Koombu or Banana Blossom) is commonly used to make a healthy and tasty stir-fry (thoran) served as a side dish for lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 medium Vazhakoombu /Vazhachundu /Banana Blossom
- 1 cup Grated Coconut
- 1/2 cup Green Gram or Brown peas
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Chilly powder
- 2 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon Urad dal
- 2 Dry Red chillies
- 1 spring Curry leaves
Instructions
- 1 First, remove the outer layers (petals) of the banana blossom and clean it well.
- 2
Rub some oil on your hands (to prevent staining) and chop the blossom into tiny pieces. Remove the tough stem from each floret.- 3
After chopping, mix the banana blossom with a little coconut oil and set it aside for 10–15 minutes.- 4
Cook green gram with some salt and enough water until soft. Keep it aside.- 5
In a bowl, mix grated coconut with chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Set this aside.- 6
Now, let’s start making the thoran:- 7
Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add urad dal.- 8
When the urad dal turns golden, add curry leaves and dry red chillies. Sauté for a few seconds.- 9
Add the chopped banana blossom and mix well.- 10
Add the spiced coconut mixture, combine thoroughly, and cook covered for a few minutes.- 11
Finally, add the cooked green gram and mix everything well. Cook for a few more minutes.- 12
(You can also use brown peas instead of green gram, or skip the lentils altogether for a simpler version.)- 13
That’s it! Your healthy and delicious Vazhachundu Thoran is ready to serve. - 2
