Vazhai Thandu (Banana Stem) Kootu

Ingredients:

Banana Stem – 1’ lenth
Green Gram Dhal – ½ cup
Sambar Powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Coconut gratings – 2 tablespoon
Jeera – 1 teaspoon
Rice – 1 teaspoon
Salt – ½ teaspoon or as per taste

For seasoning:

Oil – 1 teaspoon
Mustard – ½ teaspoon
Red Chilli - 1
Small onion – 2 Nos
Curry leaves - few

Method:

Make round slices of the banana stem, remove the fibers and cut it into small cubes. Put it in the water. (Little buttermilk can be added to the water to avoid discolouration).

Cook the green gram dhal along with turmeric till soft.

Put the banana stem pieces in a vessel. Add sambar powder, turmeric powder and salt. Pour enough water to cover the banana stem pieces. Cook till the pieces are soft. Add the cooked dhal and mix well. Keep it on medium flame.

Grind coconut, jeera and rice to a fine paste and add to the kootu and stir well.

Season it with mustard, red chilli, curry leaves and small onion chopped finely.