Maharashtrian Style Kelfulachi Bhaji Recipe – Banana Flower Stir Fry
Maharashtrian Style Kelfulachi Bhaji, also known as Banana Flower Stir Fry, is a traditional dish from the coastal regions of Maharashtra. The recipe is known for its delicate yet rich flavors, thanks to the use of Malvani Masala, a spice mix that packs an aromatic punch. This stir fry, made from banana florets (locally called Kelfulachi in Marathi), is a vibrant and healthy side dish that’s perfect for a wholesome meal. The preparation process involves cleaning and chopping the banana flower and then cooking it with a variety of spices and ingredients like jaggery, kokum, and green peas.
This flavorful dish is commonly served alongside rice, dal, or khichdi, and itβs a fantastic addition to any Maharashtrian feast. With its mildly tangy flavor from kokum and sweet undertones from jaggery, Kelfulachi Bhaji is both unique and comforting.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana flower (Vazhaipoo) | 1, cleaned and chopped into small pieces |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 2, chopped |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4, chopped |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Malvani masala | 4 tablespoons |
| Kokum (Malabar Tamarind) | 3, chopped finely |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Sugar | 8g |
Preparation Time:
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 60 minutes (includes soaking time) |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
Instructions:
Step 1: Clean the Banana Flower
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning the banana flower (Vazhaipoo). Apply a little oil on your hands to prevent the sticky sap from irritating your skin.
- Peel the purple layers of the flower, one by one, and remove the florets.
- In each floret, remove the stamen (the long string-like structure with a round head) and the thin translucent covering.
- Finely chop the florets into small pieces and soak them in diluted buttermilk or plain water.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and salt to the water, and allow the florets to soak for at least 30 minutes (preferably refrigerated) or overnight. This helps reduce the bitterness of the banana flower and also keeps it from browning.
Step 2: Prepare the Malvani Masala
- If you havenβt prepared the Malvani Masala yet, you can either make it at home using the traditional blend of roasted spices, or use a ready-made version available in stores.
- The masala typically contains a mix of spices like coriander, cumin, black pepper, and dry coconut, which gives this dish its signature flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Kelfulachi Bhaji
- Heat a pan or saucepan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil heats up, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle for about 10 seconds to release their aromatic flavors.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), chopped garlic (optional), and onions to the pan. SautΓ© them until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the soaked and drained banana florets to the pan. Stir well to mix the onions and spices with the florets.
- Sprinkle in the Malvani masala and salt to taste. Stir everything together so that the florets are coated in the spices.
- Add the chopped jaggery and kokum pieces to the pan. These ingredients will balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness and tang.
- SautΓ© the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If needed, sprinkle a little water to help cook the florets more evenly.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the banana florets cook for 10β15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the florets soften and become tender, check the seasoning. Adjust salt or jaggery if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the Kelfulachi Bhaji is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat.
- Serve it hot as a side dish with rice, dal, or khichdi for a complete Maharashtrian meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Malvani Masala: If you donβt have Malvani masala at hand, you can make a quick version by blending together dried coconut, red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Roast them and grind to a fine powder.
- Kokum Substitute: If you canβt find kokum, you can use tamarind as an alternative, though it may slightly alter the taste.
- For a richer flavor: Some variations of this dish add a small amount of grated coconut to the stir fry, which adds creaminess and texture.
- Green peas: Adding green peas is optional, but it enhances the dish with added color, texture, and sweetness. You can also use fresh peas in place of frozen.
Maharashtrian Style Kelfulachi Bhaji is a perfect way to enjoy the health benefits of banana flowers, which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. This stir fry not only offers a burst of flavors but is also an excellent addition to a nutritious meal.
