Karnataka Style Baledindina Kosambari Recipe (Banana Stem Salad)
Karnataka Style Baledindina Kosambari is a refreshing, healthy, and vibrant salad that makes for an excellent appetizer or side dish. This traditional salad, made with banana stem and moong dal (yellow split lentils), is packed with flavors, textures, and nutrients. The combination of raw vegetables, fresh coconut, and tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves gives this dish its distinct aromatic and savory flavor profile. The salad is not only diabetic-friendly but also gluten-free and rich in fiber, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, light meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana Stem (skin peeled and cut into small pieces) | 1 |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilli (chopped) | 1 |
| Lemon | 1/2 |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~70 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Fat | ~2g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0.3g |
| Sodium | ~180mg |
| Potassium | ~350mg |
| Vitamin C | ~15mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient quantities and variations.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (No cooking involved)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Karnataka, South Indian
Course
- Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Diet
- Diet: Diabetic Friendly, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Moong Dal: Start by soaking the yellow moong dal in water for about 1 hour. After soaking, drain the water completely and set it aside.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: While the dal is soaking, peel the skin of the banana stem and cut it into small, fine pieces. Additionally, chop the onion, green chilli, and fresh coriander leaves. Set these aside in separate bowls.
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked and drained moong dal with the chopped vegetables—banana stem, onion, green chilli, and fresh coconut. Add the finely chopped coriander leaves, salt to taste, and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Toss everything together gently to mix all the ingredients well.
-
Tempering (Tadka): In a small frying pan, heat the sunflower oil on medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds. Then, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), followed by the curry leaves and chopped green chillies. Sauté the tempering for about a minute, until the curry leaves crisp up and release their aroma.
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Combine the Tempering with Salad: Pour the hot tempering over the salad mixture and toss everything thoroughly so that the flavors are well incorporated. Be careful while mixing to avoid mashing the banana stem.
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Serve: Your Karnataka Style Baledindina Kosambari is ready! Serve this refreshing salad immediately as an appetizer or alongside a main dish like Chitranna (lemon rice) or steamed rice, and enjoy the burst of flavors. It pairs wonderfully with other Karnataka-style dishes like Sorakkai Palya (bottle gourd stir-fry).
Tips for Best Results:
- Freshness: Use a fresh banana stem for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using a pre-cut banana stem, make sure to soak it in water to prevent browning.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The green chillies add a nice kick to the salad, but you can adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Moong Dal: Soaking the dal helps soften it, making it easier to digest and enhancing the overall texture of the salad.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served as part of a South Indian meal or as a light snack on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Karnataka Style Baledindina Kosambari is a simple yet vibrant salad that brings together wholesome ingredients to create a balanced and refreshing dish. The banana stem, rich in fiber, helps with digestion, while the yellow moong dal provides plant-based protein, making this salad not just tasty, but also nutritious. With the crunch of the fresh vegetables, the tang of lemon, and the aromatic tempering, this kosambari will surely be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as a side to a larger meal, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Enjoy making this delicious and healthy salad at home, and savor the flavors of Karnataka right at your table!
