Raw Banana fry -Vaalaikai varuval

Raw Banana (வாழைக்காய்) and Indian egg plant (கத்தரிக்காய்) are two vegetables which get used almost always in Chettinad cuisine. In weddings and functions they get used in a variety of ways.

When I was a kid we used to have Curd rice with Raw banana fry for lunch. It brings me back memories. This is a Chettinad specialty and every house hold has its own version. Off late I have had a hard time finding fresh raw bananas. I got lucky this weekend, I found some fresh bananas in the Indian grocery store. I ended up buying four of them and used two in this recipe.

Preparation time:5 min

Cooking time:20-30 min

Serves:1-2

Ingredients:

• 2 small size raw Bananas.
• 2 tsp Sambar powder.
• 2 tbsp Oil.
• A pinch of Turmeric powder.
• Salt as required.

To Temper:

• 1/2 tbsp Mustard seeds.
• 1/2 tbsp Urad dal.
• 1/2 tbsp Fennel seeds.
• 1 Garlic pod.

Method:

• Peel the outer skin from the raw banana.
• Cut it lengthwise down the middle into two halves.

• Cut each half lengthwise along the middle to make four quarters.
• Take each quarter and cut it into thin slices along the width.
• Mix the Turmeric, Salt and Sambar powder.

• Mix this mixture with the raw bananas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes
• Heat the oil in a frying pan and temper it with mustard seeds, urad dal and cumin seeds.

• Add the garlic pod and saute for 2 minutes.

• Add the marinated raw banana mix to the saute pan.
• Reduce the heat and cook it covered until the raw smell of sambar powder dissipates and banana turns soft.

• You do not need to add water, If you cook in a low flame it will cook through and the bananas will be really crispy.

• Raw banana fry is ready to be served.

.

• Serve hot as a vegetable dish along with Rice and Sambar.

Note:

• Fry them well otherwise the dish will be raw.
• Keep the chili,salt mixture well and keep it for sometime so that it coats the banana.

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