Nendra Pazham Pulissery Recipe – Ayurvedic Delight
Nendra Pazham Pulissery is a delightful twist on the traditional Kerala-style Pulissery, a dish typically made with vegetables like ash gourd. This unique variation features the addition of ripe Nendra Pazham bananas, a combination that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the ground coconut mixture and yogurt. While it brings a new dimension to the dish, it also holds a special place in the world of Ayurvedic cuisine, as it can be served as a mild, nourishing option for babies, thanks to its simple, low-spice preparation.
This dish is light yet flavorful and makes for a perfect accompaniment to a wholesome Kerala lunch. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, and for a complete meal, try it with Pavakkai Poriyal and Elai Vadam. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this Ayurvedic gem in your own kitchen.
Cuisine: Kerala | Course: Lunch | Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Nendra Pazham (Ripe Banana) | 2 bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| To Grind: | |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Green chillies | 2 |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lukewarm water | 1/2 cup |
| Oil | For tempering |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the Nendra Pazham bananas are peeled and sliced into rounds, and the fresh coconut is grated.
-
Temper the Spices:
- Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their fragrant aroma.
-
Cook the Nendra Pazham:
- Add the turmeric powder and Nendra Pazham slices to the pan. Sprinkle in the salt to taste. Stir gently and allow the bananas to cook for a couple of minutes, until they soften and become tender.
-
Grind the Coconut Mixture:
- In a mixer grinder, combine the grated coconut, green chillies, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Add 1/2 cup lukewarm water and blend to form a smooth paste.
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Combine with Yogurt:
- Add the coconut mixture to the cooked Nendra Pazham in the pan. Then, stir in the yogurt, mixing well to create a creamy, flavorful base.
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Simmer and Serve:
- Bring the Nendra Pazham Pulissery to a brisk boil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Once the dish has come to a boil, turn off the heat and check the salt, adjusting to taste.
-
Final Touch:
- Transfer the Nendra Pazham Pulissery to a serving bowl. Serve hot with steamed rice, and consider pairing it with Kerala Pavakkai Poriyal and Elai Vadam for a wholesome, traditional Kerala meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Nendra Pazham Pulissery is best enjoyed with steamed rice. For a complete, fulfilling meal, serve it with Pavakkai Poriyal (bitter gourd stir-fry) and Elai Vadam (a crispy rice snack). This combination brings out the flavors of Kerala’s cuisine in a balanced, nourishing way.
Health Benefits:
- Nendra Pazham (ripe banana) is a highly nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It aids digestion and provides natural sweetness to the dish without being overpowering.
- The coconut mixture adds healthy fats and promotes gut health, while the yogurt provides a creamy texture and probiotics for digestive health.
- The mild spices make this dish ideal for sensitive stomachs and those seeking a light, Ayurvedic-inspired meal.
Tips:
- For a creamier texture, you can use slightly more yogurt or coconut while grinding.
- If you’re looking for more flavor depth, add a pinch of black pepper or a touch of jaggery to balance the sweetness and spice.
- For baby food: Reduce the spices and ensure the texture is soft by cooking the banana and coconut mixture thoroughly.
This Nendra Pazham Pulissery is a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation, offering you a unique Kerala recipe that is both comforting and nourishing. Perfect for a vegetarian lunch or a wholesome, Ayurvedic-inspired meal, it is sure to be a family favorite!
