Nagaland Naga Banana Flower Minimal Garlic Preparation

Ingredients

• 1 large banana flower — outer dark petals removed, inner tender yellow portion finely chopped (soak in salted water with lemon juice immediately after cutting)
• 4 garlic cloves — crushed
• 1 dried Naga chilli
• 1.5 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sesame seeds — dry-roasted for garnish

Method

1. Work to the tender inner yellow florets. Finely chop the florets and the inner core.
2. Soak in salted water with a squeeze of lemon juice for 20 minutes to prevent browning. Drain and squeeze out all water.
3. Prepare banana flower: remove and discard the tough dark outer petals.
4. Bring 1.5 cups water to a boil in a pot. Add crushed garlic and dried Naga chilli.
5. Add the chopped banana flower. Cook on medium for 10 to 12 minutes until completely tender.
6. Drain (reserve broth for drinking alongside). Season with salt.
7. Garnish with dry-roasted sesame seeds.
8. Serve with sticky rice.