Banana Stem Sambar

Method

1. 1

   Cook toor dal: Wash half cup toor dal. Pressure cook with 1.5 cups water and half tsp turmeric for 4 whistles. Mash completely.

2. 2

   Prepare banana stem: Peel outer fibrous layers of vazhaithandu (banana stem). Finely chop the inner core. Soak in buttermilk to prevent browning. Drain.

3. 3

   Soak tamarind: Soak marble-sized tamarind in 1 cup warm water 15 minutes. Extract pulp and strain.

4. 4

   Cook banana stem: Add tamarind water, drained banana stem, half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp sambar powder and salt. Boil and cook 10-12 minutes until tender.

5. 5

   Add mashed dal: Add mashed dal and half cup water. Stir well.

6. 6

   Simmer: Simmer 8-10 minutes until well blended.

7. 7

   Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add half tsp cumin seeds.

8. 8

   Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies, 1 sprig curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida.

9. 9

   Add tempering: Pour tempering into sambar.

10. 10

    Serve: Adjust salt. Banana stem sambar is nutritious and uniquely flavoured. Serve with steamed rice, idli or dosa.