Banana Stem Masala Palya

Banana Stem Masala Palya

Banana stem - 1 ( after chopping nearly 1 cup )

To grind to a coarse masala

• Roasted dry red chillies- 4
• Grated coconut- 5 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Methi /Fengureek seeds- a pinch
• Turmeric powder- 1/4 th tsp
• Jaggery -chick pea size
• Tamarind -Tamarind  seed size
• Salt to taste

Seasoning

• Oil-2 tsp
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Urid dhal- 1 tsp
• Chana dhal-1tsp
• Hing - a pinch
• Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Method
Wash the banana stem , remove the tough outer skin . Cut it into 2 inch cubicles .Immerse in water to prevent then from blackening .

Grind roasted dry red chillies, cumin seeds, methi  seeds, turmeric powder, jaggery n tamarind to a very fine paste n just before removing the ground paste add the grated coconut n grind just for  1/2 a minute ..This has to be coarse masala .

In a kadai add oil, splutter mustard seeds, add urid chana dhal n fry for a while, add hing, curry leaves n add in chopped banana stem ,  very little water n salt .. close the  lid n cook till all the moisture evaporates ( dont over cook n make It mushy , it has to be cooked but then retain the crunchiness ) Then add the coarsely  ground masala n stir well .