Plantain Stem Stir Fry / Vazhai Thandu Poriyal

Plantain stem poriyal is an easy to make, healthy stir fry that can be served as an accompaniment to rice. It is an excellent source of fibre and pottasium; also helps in overall functioning of the digestive system.

Try this recipe and include in your meal for a healthy living!

Ingredients:

Plantain Stem - 1 medium sized
Onion - 1 (finely chopped)
Split moong dhal - 2 tbsp

Turmeric powder - ½ tsp
Salt - to taste
Grated coconut - 1 to 2 tbsp
Butter milk / Yogurt - ¼ cup plus water

For Seasoning:

Oil - 2 to 3 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Urad dhal - ½ tsp
Red chillies - 2 to 3 (adjust according to your spice level)
Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Directions:

Soak moong dhal in water for about for 20 to 30 minutes and keep aside.

Remove the outer layer of the banana stem.  Cut into roundels, removing the thread like fibre and discard them. Chop that into small pieces.

To prevent darkening, put them in a diluted mixture of water and buttermilk.

Heat oil in a kadai; add all the ingredients under "For seasoning" one by one.

Once it crackles, add chopped onion and fry till onion becomes translucent (strain the water from both moong dhal and plantain stem before cooking).

Now add the chopped plantain stem, soaked moong dhal, salt and water (just to immerse the plantain). Give it a mix.

Close a pan with lid and cook till the it becomes soft and water dries up.

Sprinkle grated coconut and give it a thorough mix; Plantain stem poriyal is now ready to serve!

Note:

You can also substitute green chillies for red chillies.