32 VAZHAKKAI VARUVAL - Type 2

Vazhakkai Varuval/Raw Banana Fry


I am back from my vacation and had a very good time in India visiting relatives and many other places. Mostly toured 3 south Indian states. Kids too had loads of fun especially with their grandparents and cousins and they wish to go again next year if possible - also me :).
Now time to update my posts. Many were left pending before I left and ofcourse got many more in these 2 months. Will start updating one by one slowly. Also will reply to all your queries one by one as I still need some time and get back to normal routine :).


Now to start off with the one that was there in my draft from a very long period. My friends loved this so much that they asked me to prepare again and again. Only recently did I realise that I had not posted it :).
This is one of the simplest side dish and also can be made in now time. Goes well with any curries and hot rice.

Raw Banana - 1
Onion - 1 small chopped fine
Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
Garlic - 3 or 4 pods
Grated coconut - 3 tbsp
Turmeric powder - few pinch
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds and urad dhal - very few
Curry leaves - few


Cut the banana in 2 and cook it water for 10 mts. Prick with a fork to check. They should not get mushy, but soft enough to immerse. Remove and drain water. Peel the skin and cool. Later cut into small cubes.

Mean while grind fennel seeds, garlic and coconut to a coarse paste.
First add fennel seeds and run the mixer for few seconds, then add the garlic to crush together. Finally add coconut and turn on the mixer for few seconds. If needed add few drops of water, just make sure they are not ground to a fine paste.

Heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dhal and curry leaves. Next add onion and saute till light brown. Add the ground paste and stir in for few minutes for the raw smell to leave like about 3 - 4 minutes. Next add the powders(turmeric and chilli powder) and mix once. Immediately add the cooked and chopped raw banana along with salt and fry together for 2 - 3 minutes adn serve. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves if needed.


This is an other version of vazhakkai fry. Though some procedure look similar, the taste is completely different and flavorful.

Sending this to Priya's CWS - Fennel seeds event.