Spicy Plantain Pepper Curry (Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu)

Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu (Plantains Pepper Curry) Recipe

Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu, a traditional South Indian dish, is a delightful combination of plantains (banana stem) cooked in a flavorful, pepper-infused masala. This vegetarian curry is perfect for a quick weekday lunch and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and jeera rasam. The dish is not only nutritious but also bursting with spices that provide both depth and warmth. Here’s how you can recreate this hearty, delicious dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Servings

• This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal.

Cuisine & Course

Diet

• Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Plantain Stem:

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   • Start by removing the tough outer layers of the banana stem. Cut the stem into rings and discard the fibrous layers that come out as you slice. Once sliced, chop the rings into 1 cm cubes.
   • Place the chopped plantain pieces in a bowl of water to prevent discoloration.

2. Make the Pepper Masala:

   • In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
   • Add chana dal, black peppercorns, asafoetida, and 1 dry red chilli. Roast these ingredients until the dal turns golden brown, releasing their aroma.
   • Transfer the roasted spices into a blender, then add grated fresh coconut and cumin seeds. Grind everything into a smooth paste by adding a little water as needed. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cook the Plantains:

   • Drain the chopped plantains and add them to a saucepan. Add about 1 cup of water, season with salt, and cook over medium heat until the plantains become tender, which should take about 10 minutes.

4. Combine with Pepper Masala:

   • Once the plantains are cooked, add the prepared pepper masala paste into the pan. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):

   • In a small tadka pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, 1 dry red chilli, and a few curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds splutter, pour the tempering over the simmering plantain curry.
   • Mix everything well, and then turn off the heat.

6. Serve:

   • Your Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot with freshly steamed rice and a side of Jeera Rasam for a fulfilling, traditional South Indian meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu is a wonderful way to incorporate healthy plantains into your diet while enjoying the robust flavors of South India. It’s a dish that’s not only nourishing but also packed with spices that give it a unique punch. Enjoy making this dish for your next meal and savor the warmth of the South Indian kitchen!