Raw Banana & Ladies Finger Stir Fry (Kaccha Kela Aur Bhindi Ki Sabzi)
This Raw Banana & Ladies Finger Stir Fry (Kaccha Kela Aur Bhindi Ki Sabzi) is a flavorful and nutritious side dish from North India, combining the mild sweetness of raw banana with the tender crispness of ladyfinger (bhindi or okra). The addition of aromatic spices creates a balanced dish, making it perfect for a satisfying meal alongside daal, raita, and roti.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 300 grams, chopped |
| Raw Banana | 2 medium-sized |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ½ teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Powder | ½ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Side Dish
Diet
Diabetic Friendly
Instructions
-
Pre-cooking the Raw Banana
- Start by peeling the raw bananas and cutting them into small rounds or chunks. Keep them aside.
- In a pressure cooker, add the chopped raw bananas along with ½ cup of water, turmeric powder, and salt. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles on medium heat. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Open the cooker and set the cooked raw banana aside to cool.
-
Cooking the Bhindi (Lady Finger)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add ½ teaspoon of asafoetida (hing) and a pinch of cumin seeds. Let the cumin seeds crackle and release their fragrance.
- Add the chopped bhindi (ladyfinger) to the pan, sprinkle a little salt, and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover the pan to speed up the cooking process, allowing the bhindi to soften and cook through.
-
Combining the Ingredients
- Once the bhindi is cooked and slightly crispy, add the cooked raw banana to the pan.
- Sprinkle in the amchur (dry mango powder), black pepper powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
- Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse into the bhindi and raw banana mixture.
-
Finishing Touches
- After 4-5 minutes, turn off the heat.
- Transfer the Kaccha Kela Aur Bhindi Ki Sabzi to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
-
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Raw Banana & Ladies Finger Stir Fry alongside a warm bowl of Gujarati Dal, a side of Lauki Raita, and Phulka (Indian flatbread). This simple yet flavorful combination makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for any weekday lunch or dinner.
Tips and Variations
- For a slightly crispy texture, you can shallow fry the raw banana pieces instead of pressure cooking them.
- If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder or add a finely chopped green chili along with the spices.
- This recipe can be made with a variety of spices, so feel free to experiment with additions like cumin powder, fennel seeds, or even a pinch of garam masala at the end for a richer flavor profile.
This Raw Banana & Bhendi Stir Fry is a versatile and heartwarming dish that brings together the earthy flavors of okra with the soft, subtle taste of raw banana. It’s ideal for a diabetic-friendly diet, packed with fiber and low in calories, yet full of flavor from the spices. Enjoy this delightful dish as a part of your everyday meals, and it will surely become a family favorite!
