Vazhakkai Poriyal
A simple and delicious South Indian stir-fry made with raw bananas, aromatic spices, and fresh coconut. This classic Tamil dish is a perfect side for rice and sambar, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Raw Bananas
- b.Lightly oil your hands and the knife to prevent the banana sap from sticking.
- c.Peel the thick green skin of the raw bananas using a peeler or knife.
- d.Chop them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- e.Immediately place the chopped cubes into a large bowl of water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil the Bananas
- b.In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add 1/4 tsp of the turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of the salt to the water.
- d.Drain the banana cubes from the soaking water and add them to the boiling water.
- e.Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are just tender. They should be easily pierced with a knife but still hold their shape firmly. Do not overcook.
- f.Drain the cooked bananas in a colander and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté until it turns a light golden brown, about 1 minute.
- e.Add the broken dried red chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Poriyal
- b.Gently add the cooked raw banana cubes to the pan.
- c.Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- d.Toss gently to coat the bananas with the spices, being careful not to mash them.
- e.Cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the bananas to get slightly roasted.
- f.Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh grated coconut.
- g.Mix well and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Select firm, dark green raw bananas for the best texture.
- 2Oiling your hands and knife before chopping the bananas prevents the sticky sap from staining.
- 3Do not overcook the bananas during boiling, as they will become mushy in the final dish.
- 4For a crispier texture, you can skip boiling. Instead, pan-fry the raw banana cubes in a little extra oil until they are cooked through and golden.
- 5Add the grated coconut only after turning off the heat to retain its fresh flavor and moisture.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Onions
For a slightly sweeter base, sauté 1 finely chopped small onion after the tempering until translucent, then proceed with adding the bananas.
With LentilsWith Lentils
Add 1 teaspoon of chana dal along with the urad dal during tempering for an extra layer of crunch.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the curry leaves for an extra kick of heat.
With GarlicWith Garlic
For a pungent twist, add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic after the urad dal turns golden and sauté for 30 seconds before adding the other tempering ingredients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber and Resistant Starch
Raw bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber and resistant starch, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps in managing blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Potassium
This dish is rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and support proper nerve and muscle function.
Boosts Energy Levels
The complex carbohydrates in raw bananas provide a sustained release of energy, making this a nourishing and energizing side dish.
Packed with Vitamins
Raw bananas contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, and Vitamin B6, which is crucial for brain development and function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. Raw bananas are a great source of dietary fiber and resistant starch, which is beneficial for gut health and blood sugar control. This recipe uses minimal oil and nutritious spices, making it a wholesome side dish.