Banana Stem Poriyal Recipe with Curry Powder
A flavorful and nutritious side dish, this Banana Stem Poriyal with curry powder offers a vibrant addition to any meal. A staple in Karnataka cuisine, it highlights the versatility of banana stem, combining it with aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of yogurt to create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana Stem | 1 (outer layer removed and chopped) |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Curry Powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Prepare the Banana Stem: Begin by removing the outer layer of the banana stem. Slice the stem and as you go along, you will notice fibers being released from the stem. Make sure to remove them as you proceed. Once you’ve sliced the stem, chop the pieces into approximately 1 cm pieces.
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Heat the Oil: In a kadai (wok), heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. After they splutter, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle in the oil.
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Add Curry Leaves: Quickly add the curry leaves to the hot oil, allowing them to crisp up slightly. This adds a fragrant and crispy texture to the dish.
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Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions and sauté them over medium heat until they become translucent, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
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Cook the Banana Stem: Add the chopped banana stem pieces to the pan, followed by a splash of water. Cover the pan and cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the banana stem softens and cooks through. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can undercook the banana stem to your liking.
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Season the Dish: Once the banana stem has cooked to your preference, add the spices: cumin powder, curry powder (or sambar powder), red chilli powder, and a pinch of turmeric. Stir everything together. Optionally, add gram flour (besan) to absorb any extra moisture in the dish.
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Add Yogurt and Final Stir: Stir in the curd (yogurt) and salt to taste. Let everything cook for another 1-2 minutes on medium heat, ensuring all the flavors meld together.
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Serve: Remove the dish from the heat and serve hot. This Banana Stem Poriyal pairs wonderfully with Lobia Masala (Black Eyed Bean Curry), Phulka (Indian flatbread), and a fresh Indian Vegetable Salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips for Perfect Banana Stem Poriyal:
- Fiber Removal: The banana stem has tough fibers that must be removed during preparation. Always ensure these are discarded to avoid them affecting the texture.
- Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on your texture preference. For a softer dish, cook the banana stem longer. For a crunchier dish, reduce the cooking time.
- Curd (Yogurt): The addition of yogurt helps to mellow the spices and gives the dish a slight creaminess. If you’re not a fan of yogurt, you can skip it, though it enhances the overall flavor profile.
This dish is a true delight, offering a blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s also an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of banana stem, which is rich in fiber and nutrients. Whether you’re serving it with a traditional Indian meal or as a unique side for a modern dinner, this Banana Stem Poriyal with curry powder will undoubtedly be a hit!
