1 VAZHAIPOO PORIYAL(BANANA BLOSSOM DRY CURRY)

Vazhaipoo Poriyal/ Banana Blossom Stir Fry

Vazhapoo/banana blossom - 1
Onion - 1 medium chopped fine
Grated coconut - 2 tbsp
Red/green chillies - 4 or 5 slit long
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Urad dhal - 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - few
Salt as needed
Oil - 1 tbsp

Remove flower from the blossom and clean them to remove the stamen and sheath( that is a important step in cleaning vazhapoo). Repeat for all and then cut them into small pieces and immserse in water until it is needed( so it doesn't darken in colour).

Take them in a vessel along with water just enough for immersing,also can add salt that is required and cook till they are soft. Drain any excess water( as much as possible avoid draining, so cook with water just needed and add more only if it is required).

Heat oil in a frying pan and add mustard seeds, urad dhal, cumin seeds and curry leaves. When they splutter up add chopped onions and red/green chillies... fry till onions are light brown( can add salt that is required just for onion, since we have already added salt while cooking vazhapoo). Next add cooked vazhapoo and stir in well, also add grated coconut and/or chopped coriander leaves.

Variation: can also add some crushed garlic or ginger or both before adding chopped onions.