Banana Flower Stir Fry ( வாழைப்பூ பொரியல் )

Banana Flower Stir Fry 

( வாழைப்பூ பொரியல் )

Ingredients:

Banana Flower ( வாழைப்பூ )  - 1 

Buttermilk/ diluted yogurt ( மோர் ) -  1 cup

Grated Coconut ( துருவிய தேங்காய் ) - 2 tbsp

Boiled Split ChickPeas / Toor Daal ( வேக வைத்த துவரம் பருப்பு )  - 1tbsp

To temper - garlic 4 or 5 cloves, cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp. ( தாளிக்க - தட்டிய பூண்டு 4 பல், சீரகம் - 1/4 தேக்கரண்டி )

Curry Leaves (கறிவேப்பிலை ) - 1 twig

Coconut oil (தேங்காய் எண்ணெய் )  - 1 tbsp

Steps:

Pull the outer leaves one by one to get the bunch of flowers, florets, each.

In each flower pull out the plastic like petal and look for the matchstick like stem and remove it.

Cut the flowers into small size and soak in buttermilk to avoid discoloration
Remove and squeeze out excess buttermilk. Boil with sufficent water until tender. Remove from fire and keep aside.

Combine cumin seeds and garlic.

Coarse pound using a grinding stone or in an electric blender.

In a skillet, add a tablespoon of coconut oil. When it is hot enough, add the pounded cumin and garlic and few curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds. Add in boiled  banana flower. Mix well. Finally add in grated coconut and boiled  split beans. Mix well.
The dish is ready to be served as a side dish for rice and sambar.

My Notes:
Banana flower is not favored by many, not because of its taste but the laborious task of cleaning and slicing it.But it is worth the effort if we look at its varied health benefits. 
An useful tip to clean with  less stain on hand.
 First grease your palm with oil before handling the flower as your hands will turn black without oil.Oil can be substituted with lemon juice. Alternatively can use gloves if you are comfortable in handling vegetable wearing gloves.