Kaya Tholi Thoran – Raw Banana Peel Stir-Fry Recipe (Kerala Style)
Raw banana peel, often overlooked, is packed with nutrients and is a wonderful ingredient for making thoran, a popular Kerala-style stir-fry. In this recipe, we’re using the peel of raw bananas to create a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with hot rice and curry. The combination of spices, coconut, and the earthy flavor of the raw banana peel creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. This thoran is not only healthy but also a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying the authentic taste of Kerala cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw banana peels | 2 |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Salt | As needed |
| Grated coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Green chilies | 4 |
| Small onions (chopped) | 4 |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Curry leaves | 8 |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Kerala (South Indian)
Course: Main Dish / Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Fat | ~7g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
| Vitamin C | ~12% of Daily Value |
| Iron | ~4% of Daily Value |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Raw Banana Peel
Begin by removing the peel from the raw bananas. Cut the peels into small pieces. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before using. The peel of the banana is nutritious and adds a unique texture to the dish. -
Cook the Banana Peel
In a saucepan, add the chopped banana peels along with turmeric powder and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the banana peels soften completely, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if necessary to prevent it from drying out. -
Grind the Spices
While the banana peels are cooking, prepare the ground spices. In a mixer grinder, add the grated coconut, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, and green chilies. Grind these ingredients into a coarse paste. -
Prepare the Tempering
In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter for about 10 seconds. Then add the curry leaves and dry red chilies. Fry them for another 10 seconds, allowing the spices to release their flavors. -
Combine and Cook
Add the ground spice mixture to the pan with the tempered oil. Stir well and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the spices release a fragrant aroma. Now, add the cooked banana peel along with any remaining water. Stir to combine all the ingredients. -
Final Cooking
Continue to cook the thoran for another 1-2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt to taste. -
Serve
Once the thoran is ready, transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve this nutritious and flavorful Kaya Tholi Thoran alongside hot rice and a bowl of kirai sambar for a complete Kerala-style lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Kaya Tholi Thoran is traditionally served with rice and sambar in Kerala. It pairs wonderfully with a simple dal or rasam for a wholesome meal. For an extra flavor boost, you can even serve it with a dollop of yogurt or chutney on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and doesn’t require any animal-based ingredients.
- Coconut: You can adjust the amount of grated coconut based on your preference. If you like a richer flavor, you can add more coconut.
- Spices: If you like your thoran spicier, feel free to increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to the ground spice paste.
- Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are a key ingredient in Kerala cuisine, lending a distinct aroma and flavor. Do not skip this ingredient if possible.
- Banana Peels: Make sure to use only raw banana peels. The peel of ripe bananas is too soft and sweet for this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kaya Tholi Thoran is a perfect blend of simple ingredients that transform into a healthy, delicious dish. The raw banana peel offers an earthy flavor, complemented by the coconut and spices, making it a comforting yet nutritious option for any meal. Whether you’re looking to try something new or reduce food waste, this thoran will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and brings a true taste of Kerala to your table.
Enjoy this authentic Kerala recipe and feel the taste of South India with every bite!
