Banana Flower Thuvayal

Banana Flower (Vazhaipoo) is a very healthy vegetable which grown as a bunch on the banana tree. The Vazhaipoo is very significant in our South-Indian tradition, as in many tamilian household ceremonies and functions ; you will find the banana flower hung from the banana tree, in front of the house.

Health Benefits of Banana Flower:

1. Rich in Vitamin A and C.
2. A good lactating agent.
3. Significantly reduces the blood sugar levels, hence diabetic-friendly vegetable.
4. Have anti-oxidant properties.
5. Curbs excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle & considerably increases the progesterone levels in the body.

Once the banana flowers are cut to small pieces, they have to be immersed in buttermilk water immediately to avoid discoloration.

The Banana flower can be prepared in numerous ways and included in our diet. This is a thuvayal version of the recipe. Thuvayal are thick chutneys made with variety of vegetables/green leaves, dhals and spices, which can serve both as a main dish or a side dish in our south indian cuisine. Mostly thuvayal goes well along with Rice and not tiffin items. Here is a simple Banana flower thuvayal.

Best Accompaniment for : Sambar / Kozhambu / Rasam / Curd Rice

Ingredients:

Banana Flower (chopped) - 1 Cup
Urud dhal - 2 tbsp
Pepper - 1/2 tsp
Red chillies - 2 or 3
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 6
Tamarind ball - 2 pinches
Coconut - 3/4 Cup
Hing - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt - 1 to 2 tsp
Water - 1/4 Cup

Method:

1. In a non-stick pan/kadai, add a teaspoon of oil, when it becomes hot, add the chopped banana flower and fry for 5 minutes and remove and switch off and cool.

2. Add a teaspoon of oil, when it becomes hot, add the urud dhal, pepper, cumin seeds, red chillies, curry leaves , tamarind & hing and fry until the urud dhal becomes light brown.

3. Cool the ingredients in 1 and 2 and grind together adding coconut and required salt and very little water to a thick paste.

Banana Flower Thuvayal is ready to serve.