sujitha easy cooking

Vazhaipoo Koottu/Banana Flower Curry

By sujithaeasycooking

South Indian Veg CurryVeg recipes
Vazhaipoo Kootu1

Vazhaipoo Koottu is a traditional South Indian dish made with banana flower (vazhaipoo), lentils, and a blend of spices. It’s a nutritious and flavorful curry that is often served with rice or Indian bread.

Vazhaipoo Kootu is a traditional South Indian dish that originates from the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu. “Vazhaipoo” refers to banana flower or banana blossom, and “Kootu” is a South Indian term for a dish where vegetables or lentils are cooked with a spiced coconut-based mixture.

This dish is an integral part of South Indian cuisine, and variations of it are prepared in households across the region.

 

Table Of Contents

  1. Step by step picture instruction for Vazhaipoo koottu
  2. About the Ingredints for vazhaipoo kootu
  3. Nutritional Benefits of Vazhaipoo Koottu
  4. PIN
  5. Serving Suggestion:

Step by step picture instruction for Vazhaipoo koottu

 Method

1. Ingredients to grind, Take them in a mixer and grind them coarsely without adding water..

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 2. Clean the banana blossom, chop them and soak in buttermilk..(to learn how to clean banana flower Click here)..
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 3. Cook the moong dhal and set them aside, Pressure cook it for 2 whistles, here i used my new earthen pot to cook the dhal..
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 4. Heat a pan with oil, temper the mustard, Urad dhal, channa dhal, let them pop out.
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 5. Add in the Chopped onion and curry leaves to the pan..saute the onions till they turn translucent..
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 6. Add the Chopped Flowers by squeeze them out from the butter milk..Cover and cook this for few mins..
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 7. Add the Grinded masala, Turmeric powder, Hing/Perrungayam, salt to the pan.
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 8. Saute them well and cook them till the banana flowers are done..
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 9 Add in the Cooked dhal and mix them bring this to boil and off he flame..
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Vazhaipoo Kootu3
 
 

 

About the Ingredints for vazhaipoo kootu

  • Vazhaipoo (Banana Flower): The central ingredient, banana flower, is a nutritious and edible blossom from the banana plant. It requires thorough cleaning and preparation to remove bitter elements.
  • Toor Dal (Split Pigeon Peas)/ Moong Dal: Lentils are a common addition, providing protein and a creamy texture to the dish.
  • Grated Coconut: Coconut is often used in South Indian cooking, lending a rich and nutty flavor to the kootu.
  • Spices: Common spices include cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Green chilies may also be added for heat.
  • Tempering Ingredients: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, dry red chilies, and curry leaves are used for tempering, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
  • Vegetables: Besides vazhaipoo, other vegetables like pumpkin, snake gourd, or ash gourd may be added, depending on regional variations and personal preferences.

Nutritional Benefits of Vazhaipoo Koottu

  • Vazhaipoo (Banana Flower): Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, banana flowers offer nutritional benefits and are believed to have various health advantages.
  • Toor Dal: Provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
  • Coconut: Adds healthy fats and imparts a distinctive flavor to the dish.
  • Spices: Apart from enhancing taste, spices may offer health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Serving Suggestion:

Vazhaipoo Kootu is commonly served with steamed rice or Indian breads like chapati or dosa. It is a wholesome and nutritious dish, reflecting the essence of traditional South Indian home-cooked meals. The flavors are a harmonious blend of coconut, spices, and the unique taste of banana flower.

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