Vazhaipoo Podimas Recipe – Banana Flower Poriyal/Sabzi
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu | Course: Lunch | Diet: Vegetarian
Description:
Vazhaipoo Podimas is a classic Tamil Nadu delicacy made from banana flower, also known as Vazhaipoo, cooked with aromatic spices, fresh coconut, and a tangy hint of yogurt. This stir-fry (or Poriyal) is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring crunchy mustard seeds and urad dal, paired with the delicate taste of banana flowers. Ideal as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and traditional Indian rasam, making for a wholesome, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana flower (Vazhaipoo) | 1 (cleaned, chopped, soaked in buttermilk) |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 3 tablespoons |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 10, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1/2 teaspoon, for cooking |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Instructions
-
Prep the Banana Flower:
Start by cleaning the banana flower. You’ll need a bowl of water mixed with 3 tablespoons of yogurt (dahi) to keep the banana flowers from discoloring. Grease your hands and fingers with some oil to prevent the flower’s sap from staining your skin.- Separate the edible portion of the banana flower, which is pale yellowish, by removing the purple petals one by one.
- Once you’ve separated the edible part, discard the tough inner stem/bud that doesn’t cook well.
- Place the separated flowers in the buttermilk water, which helps keep them fresh. Continue this process until the entire flower is pruned, and then chop the flower into small pieces. Discard the buttermilk water once you’re done.
-
Prepare the Tadka:
Heat 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add 1-1/2 teaspoons of white urad dal. Fry until the dal turns golden brown and crispy, giving off a nice fragrance.- Stir in the curry leaves, chopped green chillies, and finely chopped pearl onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.
-
Cook the Banana Flower:
To the sautéed mixture, add the chopped banana flower and stir well to combine. Add 1/4 cup of grated fresh coconut and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.- Add salt to taste and a few tablespoons of the buttermilk water that you used to soak the flowers earlier. This will help soften the flowers as they cook.
- Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the banana flower becomes tender and soft.
-
Finish the Dish:
Once the banana flower is cooked, remove the lid and stir-fry the mixture on high heat to allow any excess water to evaporate. Taste the dish and adjust the salt if necessary. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and transfer the Vazhaipoo Podimas to a serving bowl. Serve this flavorful stir-fry with steamed rice, Chettinad style poondu rasam, and a side of keerai masiyal for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips:
- The banana flower can be a little tricky to clean, but soaking it in buttermilk and greasing your hands can make the process smoother.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the number of green chillies or add red chilli powder for an extra zing.
- Vazhaipoo Podimas is not only a tasty dish but also rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to a diabetic-friendly diet.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~5 g |
| Fat | ~4 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
| Sugars | ~3 g |
Enjoy this traditional Tamil Nadu recipe as part of your lunch, and experience the flavors of South India in the comfort of your home. With the rich taste of banana flower and the aromatic tempering of spices, Vazhaipoo Podimas is sure to delight your taste buds and make for a wholesome meal.
