Simple Vaazhaikai Curry / Raw Banana Curry / Plantain Curry / Aratikaya Kura

 

Raw Banana / Vaazhaikai / Aratikaya is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Though we can make many recipes using this vegetable, this version is my most favourite one which my mom used to make during amavasai day ( No Moon Day ).  This curry is very easy to make as it requires very less ingredients.

Ingredients

Raw banana - 3 medium

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp ( optional )

Salt - As required

For Seasoning / tadka 

Coconut Oil - 2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Jeera / Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Hing / Asafoetida - 1 dash

Urad dal - 1 tsp

Channa Dal - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 1 stem

Green chilli - 2 ( Chop them or slit them as you like )

Dry Red chilli - 1 

For Garnishing

Coconut flakes - 1 tbsp

Coriander leaves - 1/2 tbsp

Method

• Heat oil in the cooking vessel. When heated first add mustard seeds and once it splutters, then add the other ingredients for seasoning and saute for a minute until the dals turn golden brown. 
• Add the chopped raw banana pieces along with turmeric powder. Add 1/4 cup of water into the vessel.
• On Medium-low flame, allow the vazhaaikai / raw banana to cook for 4-5 minutes. Once its cooked three fourth, add required amount of salt and close the lid.
• Once the vazhaikai pieces become tender, add the red chili powder if you like. Saute it for 2 minutes.
• Switch off the flame and garnish the curry with coconut flakes and coriander leaves.
• Enjoy this delicious curry with hot rice and rasam. 

Tips

• I definitely use coconut oil especially for making this curry as it gives a nice aroma to the cooked Vazhaikai / raw banana.
• As this is not a fry, cook the vazhaikai / raw banana till the pieces become tender and soft.  The cooked pieces should be separate and not mushy.