Banana Flower and Green Peas Stir Fry/ Vazhaipoo Vatana Poriyal

Cleaning Banana Flower is a time consuming and arduous task. But, when I see the Banana flowers in the market, I buy it without thinking about the cleaning and other tasks. Reason is that Banana Flower has lot many health benefits. People throw away Banana Flowers without knowing its health benefits. We can make many tasty dishes using it like Vadai, Cutlet, Kootu, Kuzhambu etc. I had already posted some recipe using Banana Flowers. In this dish, I have added Vatana (Green Peas). You can skip using Green Peas if you do not have it easily available. This dish goes well with Sambar Rice, Rasam Rice etc.

Ingredients:

Cleaned and finely chopped Banana Blossoms (Vazhai Poo) – 1 ½ cups

Fresh or Frozen Green Peas – ½ cup

Moong Dal (Green Gram Split Dal) – 3 tbsp

Oil – 2 tbsp

Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp

Urad Dal – 1 tsp

Red Chillies -2 (Broken)

Onion -1 (finely chopped)

Green Chilli – 3

Turmeric Powder – 1 pinch

Salt – to suit taste

Grated Coconut – 3 tbsp

Finely Chopped Cilantro – 2 tbsp

Method:

Grease your hands well with Oil and then begin the cleaning process of Banana Blossom. Click on this link to see the detailed steps I had posted on the blog earlier: How to cut and prepare the Banana Flowers

Cook the Moong Dal in a pressure cooker for a single whistle. Remove the Dal as soon as the steam is released .The Dal must be cooked just 50 percent only.

Heat the Oil in a pan. Temper the seasonings given. Add Onion and Green Chillies. Sauté till the Onion become translucent.

Add the chopped Banana Blossoms, Fresh Green Peas, the cooked Moong Dal. Add Salt and Turmeric Powder. Mix well.

Sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp of water, cover with a lid and simmer in low to medium flame for 6 to 8 minutes till the vegetable is done. Keep stirring frequently.

Add Coconut and Cilantro. Cook for 2 minutes. T

he unique, healthy and tasty stir fry is ready for serving.