Vazhaipazham Sadam

Method

1. 1

   Select ripe bananas: Peel 2-3 very ripe sweet vazhaipazham (bananas). Mash completely with a fork until smooth.

2. 2

   Cook and cool rice: Cook 2 cups raw rice. Cool completely.

3. 3

   Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds. When they pop add 1 tsp cumin seeds.

4. 4

   Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies and 1 sprig curry leaves. Fry 20 seconds.

5. 5

   Add green chilli and ginger: Add 2 green chillies (optional — this is a mildly flavoured dish) and 1 tsp grated ginger.

6. 6

   Add mashed banana: Add the mashed banana to the tempering. Stir on medium heat 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly cooked.

7. 7

   Add cold rice: Add the cooled cooked rice. Fold very gently — banana rice needs careful folding.

8. 8

   Mix evenly: Fold until rice is coated with the sweet banana mixture.

9. 9

   Season: Add a pinch of salt. The banana provides natural sweetness.

10. 10

    Serve: Vazhaipazham sadam is a mildly sweet, comforting rice dish. Serve with papad or as a sweet rice accompaniment to a meal.