Vazhapindi Thoran | Banana Stem Stir Fry

Vazhapindi(banana stem) is a low calorie,low carb vegetable. The banana stem is loaded with fiber and feels satiated soon.Banana stem is enriched with potassium and vitamin B6. It contains no sodium,cholesterol and fats. Banana stem is also beneficial for regulating acidity. If you are looking to lose weight,then banana stem juice is an excellent option.Banana stem is also very effective for regulating insulin in the body and helpful for diabetic patients.It also helps to prevent urinary tract infections as it is an excellent diuretic.The banana plant is loaded with edible goodies and uses; for eg the banana flower, the fruit, the leaves and finally the stem.I have already posted two recipes with banana flower; vazhakoombu thoran, vazhappoo pakora. This thoran is also made on similar lines an tastes delicious with steamed rice.

Preparation time ~30 mins
Cooking time ~15 mins
Serves ~ 4-5 people
Ingredients
vazha pindi (banana stem) 1 medium sized piece
onion 1 small or half of one
uncooked cow peas (vanpayaru) 1/3 cup
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
salt
oil 1 tsp

To coarsely grind
grated coconut 1/2 cup
cumin seeds1/2 tsp
garlic cloves 3-4
green chilies 3-4

To temper
mustard seeds 1 tsp
boiled rice 1 tbsp
curry leaves 2 sprig
red dry chilies 1 broken
oil 1 tbsp

Method

• Remove the outer covers of the banana stem and retain only the thick inner core as in pic.Wash and cut thin roundels of the vazhapindi(banana stem) and remove the threads(Place in a bowl of water to prevent browning). If you are chopping immediately then there is no need to immerse in water.Chop it fine along with onion.
• Soak the vanpayaru(cow peas) overnight in water. Cook vanpayaru(cow peas) with salt and turmeric powder for 3-4 whistles.

• Cook the vazhapindi(banana stem) mix with turmeric and salt after draining the water. Add the coarsely grind coconut with the vazhapindi and cook on low flame for 5-6 minutes. The steam generated is just enough to cook 3/4 th.
• Then add cooked vanpayaru(cow peas) with remaining water if only little left or else drain water and add. Finally, cover and cook for another 2 minutes.Check in salt and adjust accordingly.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds,fry red chillies and add in the boiled rice.When it puffs up then add curry leaves. Switch off flame and pour over the thoran (stir fry).
• Serve with steamed rice .

NOTES

* The banana stem leaves out water so there is no need to add more water.

* You can make the thoran without adding vanpayaru too but this adds an extra crunch and taste.You may even add cooked cheru payaru(green gram) instead of vanpayaru(cow peas).