Vazhakka(Kaya) Thoran | Raw Plantain Stir Fry(with coconut)

We love the simple comforting homely meals and everyday lunch is truly traditional Kerala menu.The menu may vary as per vegetables available in the pantry.Though they say rice is a big source of carbs and so must be cut down,but eating rice in small portions is healthy.And if diet and exercise can be balanced,then all food items can be had but in moderation.How many of you prefer this kind of a lunch??Today's post is a simple stir fry made with raw plantain which is very filling and delicious.Plantain stir fry(Kaya thoran) is another healthy stir fry from Kerala that has all the flavors of plantain,coconut and coconut oil.I prefer to eat this stir fry just like that without any rice accompaniment too.We had it with mambazha pullissery and pappadam.Do try this out if you find it interesting.

Preparation time~25 minutes
Cooking time~25minutes
Serves ~5-6 servings
Ingredients
raw plantain 2 chopped small
onion 1 medium sized,chopped fine
garlic cloves 2-3 sliced 
chilly powder 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
salt to taste

to coarsely grind
coconut 1/2 cup grated
shallots 2
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
chilly 2

to temper
coconut oil 2tbsp +1 tsp
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
boiled rice 1tsp

Method

• Wash,peel the skin of plantain lightly(apply a little oil in your palms to prevent staining) and then chop them small.Add in a bowl of water and leave like that till you use in stir fry else it changes color(You may also use kanji vellam(rice soup) to soak the chopped plantain).Rub it in the water to remove stains and use(don't do this step till you are ready to use in stir fry).
• Heat a pan with oil,splutter mustard seeds followed by boiled rice.Wait till it pops up,then add curry leaves.Now,add the onion and garlic cloves.Saute until onion turns translucent.
• Add in the spice powders and saute until raw smell disappears.
• Then finally add the drained plantain pieces.Toss well,add salt.Add 1/4cup water(to cook plantain) and cover.Cook covered for 5-6 mins on low medium flame.
• In the mean time,coarsely grind the coconut ,shallots,green chilly and cumin seeds without adding any water.
• now,uncover lid and add the coarse coconut paste.Mix well,check salt and if the plantain is half cooked.Check if more water is required to cook(if required,add 2-3 tbsp of water).
• Cover again and cook till its done,dry out any moisture left out.Pour a tsp of coconut oil on top.Keep covered for 10 mins and mix well,serve warm with steamed rice.

NOTES
*Adding green chilli to coarse paste is optional else increase the heat of chilly powder.
* Ideally shallots is used in place of onions.In that case use 6-7 sliced shallots.
* Though you can use other raw bananas too to make this stir fry but raw plantains gives the taste.
* Use coconut oil for authentic flavors.

More recipes that uses raw plantain,check out if interested-
Kaya Mezhukuparetti
Kaya Kalan  
Upperi (Kaya Varuthathu)
Sharkara Varetti
Nurukku Upperi

 
We had vazhakka thoran with steamed rice,mambazha pullissery & pappadam,Enjoy !!