Banana Flower Thoran

Ingredients

• - 300g banana flower (vazha poo)
• - 2 tbsp coconut oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• - 2 green chillies
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Clean banana flower: Remove outer dark petals of one banana flower. For each inner pale floret, remove the thin sheath and tiny stamen. Finely chop. Soak in buttermilk immediately.
2. Cook banana flower: Drain soaked banana flower. Pressure cook with turmeric and salt for 2 whistles. Drain well.
3. Make coconut mixture: Mix half cup freshly grated coconut with half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 2 green chillies and 3 shallots sliced.
4. Heat coconut oil: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a wide pan.
5. Splutter mustard seeds: Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and cover until all pop.
6. Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies and 2 sprigs curry leaves. Fry 20 seconds.
7. Add cooked banana flower: Add to the pan. Season with salt.
8. Add coconut mixture: Add coconut mixture. Toss well.
9. Cook: Toss on medium heat 3-4 minutes until well combined and dry.
10. Serve: Banana flower thoran is highly nutritious. Serve with steamed rice.