South Indian Vazhakkai Puli Kootu Recipe (Plantain in Tamarind-Based Curry)
Vazhakkai Puli Kootu is a beloved South Indian dish featuring raw banana cooked in a tangy tamarind-based gravy. The dish is enriched with a fragrant blend of spices and is a perfect side dish to complement a traditional meal. The combination of raw banana, tamarind, and spices creates a flavorful curry that pairs wonderfully with rice and other accompaniments like rasam and papad. This dish is diabetic-friendly, offering a wholesome and nutritious option for those watching their diet.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana (Vazhakkai) | 2 (cut into cubes) |
| Shallots | 5 (sliced) |
| Tomatoes | 2 (roughly chopped) |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tbsp (adjust to taste) |
| Sambar Powder | 2 tsp |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1 tsp |
| Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) | ½ tsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ¼ tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 |
| Sesame Oil (Gingelly Oil) | 2 tsp |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 3 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 550 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Raw Banana
Start by peeling the skin off the raw bananas (vazhakkai) and cutting them into cubes. Place the cut banana pieces in a bowl of water to prevent them from discoloring.
Step 2: Roast the Spices
In a dry pan, lightly roast the chana dal, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds until they turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma. Add the grated coconut to the pan and continue roasting until the coconut turns slightly brown. Once roasted, allow the mixture to cool, then grind it into a smooth paste by adding a little water using a mixer grinder.
Step 3: Temper the Spices
Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds to the oil and let them crackle. Next, add the asafoetida, dry red chilies, and curry leaves, allowing them to splutter and release their flavors into the oil.
Step 4: Sauté the Shallots
Add the sliced shallots to the pan and sauté until they become soft and slightly browned. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Raw Banana
Add the drained raw banana cubes and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Sauté everything together for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Add Spices and Cook
Stir in the sambar powder and season with salt. Add about half a cup of water, mix everything together, and cover the pan. Let the mixture cook on low heat for around 10 minutes or until the raw banana becomes tender and cooked through.
Step 7: Combine with Ground Spice Paste
Add the ground spice paste, tamarind paste, and powdered jaggery to the pan. Adjust the salt and mix everything thoroughly. Let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Final Touch
Once the curry thickens and the raw banana is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. Your Vazhakkai Puli Kootu is ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Vazhakkai Puli Kootu with steamed rice, and for a complete South Indian meal, pair it with Beetroot Garlic Lemon Rasam and Papad. This flavorful curry is sure to add a delicious touch to your weeknight dinner, making it both wholesome and satisfying.
Enjoy your authentic South Indian meal with the goodness of plantains and tamarind!
This dish combines the richness of coconut, the tanginess of tamarind, and the earthy flavors of raw banana, making it a perfect diabetic-friendly option for those seeking a healthy, flavorful side dish. Whether you’re looking for a traditional South Indian recipe or a unique twist on your regular curry options, this Vazhakkai Puli Kootu is a must-try for all food lovers.
