Vazhaipazham Sadam

Ingredients

• - 1.5 cups ripe banana rice
• - 2 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 1/2 tsp urad dal
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - Salt to taste
• - Fresh grated coconut to garnish

Method

1. Select ripe bananas: Peel 2-3 very ripe sweet vazhaipazham (bananas). Mash completely with a fork until smooth.
2. Cook and cool rice: Cook 2 cups raw rice. Cool completely.
3. Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds. When they pop add 1 tsp cumin seeds.
4. Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies and 1 sprig curry leaves. Fry 20 seconds.
5. Add green chilli and ginger: Add 2 green chillies (optional — this is a mildly flavoured dish) and 1 tsp grated ginger.
6. Add mashed banana: Add the mashed banana to the tempering. Stir on medium heat 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly cooked.
7. Add cold rice: Add the cooled cooked rice. Fold very gently — banana rice needs careful folding.
8. Mix evenly: Fold until rice is coated with the sweet banana mixture.
9. Season: Add a pinch of salt. The banana provides natural sweetness.
10. Serve: Vazhaipazham sadam is a mildly sweet, comforting rice dish. Serve with papad or as a sweet rice accompaniment to a meal.