Kelyachi Bhaji (Raw Banana Stir Fry) Recipe
Kelyachi Bhaji, a flavorful Goan vegetarian dish, offers a delightful stir fry made from raw bananas, infused with aromatic spices and the richness of fresh coconut. This simple yet delicious recipe is a perfect side dish for your lunch or dinner. The slight sweetness of the bananas balances out the spiciness from the red chili powder and the warmth of turmeric. Best enjoyed with rice and ghee, this dish also pairs wonderfully with sambar, making it a wholesome meal. Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful stir fry:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 2 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As needed |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Cuisine: Goan
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Raw Bananas:
Begin by washing the raw bananas thoroughly. To avoid the stickiness from the bananas, apply a little oil to your hands. Use a peeler to peel the bananas and then cut them into small dice-sized pieces. The oil helps in preventing the raw banana sap from sticking to your hands. -
Cook the Onions:
Heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed wok or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. This will take around 2 to 3 minutes. -
Add Raw Banana:
Once the onions are softened, add the diced raw bananas to the wok. Sprinkle some salt over the bananas, and add a small amount of water. Cover the pan and let the bananas cook on low to medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bananas should soften and cook through. -
Add Spices and Coconut:
Once the bananas are cooked, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida (hing) to the wok. Stir well to coat the bananas evenly with the spices. Then, add the freshly grated coconut and mix everything together. Let the stir fry cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully. -
Final Touches:
After the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and transfer the Kelyachi Bhaji to a serving bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Kelyachi Bhaji makes for a delightful side dish that complements a variety of Goan meals. For a complete meal, serve it with steaming hot rice, a dollop of ghee, and a bowl of your favorite sambar. This combination is sure to transport your taste buds to the beautiful coastal regions of Goa.
Enjoy the flavors and textures of this simple yet nourishing dish as part of a traditional Goan vegetarian feast.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: Approx. 160
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: Varies (depends on salt used)
