Raw Banana Thoran Recipe
Description:
Raw Banana Thoran is a quintessential Kerala dish, known for its simple yet flavorful combination of vegetables, mild spices, and freshly grated coconut. This stir-fry, popular in Kerala cuisine, highlights the raw banana as its star ingredient. The dish is a perfect example of how the mild flavor of the vegetable can be elevated with the right blend of spices and coconut. Served as a side dish, Raw Banana Thoran is often paired with steamed rice, beetroot sambar, and yogurt for a wholesome and comforting meal. The natural sweetness of the raw banana, combined with the spices, makes this a delicious addition to any meal.
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 2, boiled and diced |
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 8 |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 10, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup, roughly chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions
-
Prep the Raw Banana: Begin by washing and peeling the raw bananas. Cut them into halves and boil in a pressure cooker for 3 to 4 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Peel the skin and dice the boiled bananas into small cubes. Set aside.
-
Grind the Coconut Mixture: In a blender, add the grated fresh coconut, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Blend into a coarse paste and set it aside for later use.
-
Cooking the Thoran:
- Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add the dry red chillies and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds to release their flavors.
- Next, add the finely chopped pearl onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions soften and turn translucent.
-
Combine with Raw Banana: Add the boiled and diced raw banana to the pan and mix it well with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the ground coconut mixture and add turmeric powder. Mix everything thoroughly.
-
Final Touches: Season with salt to taste and continue stir-frying the mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring that all the flavors are well incorporated. The raw banana should be tender and well coated with the spices and coconut.
-
Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the Raw Banana Thoran to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice, beetroot sambar, and a side of yogurt for a complete and comforting meal.
This Raw Banana Thoran is a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Kerala’s home-style cooking. The combination of coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves gives it a unique taste that pairs beautifully with other Kerala delicacies. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this vegetarian dish as part of a wholesome lunch or dinner!
