Banana blossom or banana flower is the maroon tear drop shaped thing we probably see in our vegetable shop. It is found at the end of a banana cluster on the tree. I never knew how to cut it or cook it having never eaten it. But a thai place around my house serves banana blossom cakes and they added lemongrass and all those wonderful thai spices and made an awesome cutlet out of it. I simply loved that. I have not yet tried making that but I'm sure that will be soon on the menu. Meanwhile, I got this recipe from my mom which works out great for me. It is the Goan way of cooking banana blossom. It must be good, coz hubby dearest wants it again soon :)
Ingredients:
Banana blossom - 1
White peas/ Green peas - 1 cup (dried)
Fresh grated coconut - 2 tbsp. (Optional)
Oil - 2-3 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder / Haldi - 1 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Salt
Method:
The important thing with banana blossom is knowing how to peel it and cut it
Discard the maroon layer and keep the small buds at the bottom of the stem. We only use the buds. Cut the buds into smaller pieces and soak in water to avoid oxidising.
Keep removing the layers until you can. After a point it is difficult to separate these layers.
Once the maroon layers are over, the layers will turn white. These are difficult to separate.
Start cutting the blossom into slices once you cannot remove any more
Soak this in water overnight. You can keep this in the fridge.
Squeeze out the water in the morning and pressure cook for around 2-3 whistles (10-12 mins)
Separately pressure cook the white peas for 1-2 whistles (8-10 mins) until done
Heat oil in a kadhai and add the msutard seeds.
Once they splutter add the cooked banana blossom and the white peas.
Add a cup of the water the peas were boiled in.
Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala and salt
Cook until the water evaporates.
Garnish with coconut and serve
Ingredients:
Banana blossom - 1
White peas/ Green peas - 1 cup (dried)
Fresh grated coconut - 2 tbsp. (Optional)
Oil - 2-3 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder / Haldi - 1 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Salt
Method:
The important thing with banana blossom is knowing how to peel it and cut it
Discard the maroon layer and keep the small buds at the bottom of the stem. We only use the buds. Cut the buds into smaller pieces and soak in water to avoid oxidising.
Keep removing the layers until you can. After a point it is difficult to separate these layers.
Once the maroon layers are over, the layers will turn white. These are difficult to separate.
Start cutting the blossom into slices once you cannot remove any more
Soak this in water overnight. You can keep this in the fridge.
Squeeze out the water in the morning and pressure cook for around 2-3 whistles (10-12 mins)
Separately pressure cook the white peas for 1-2 whistles (8-10 mins) until done
Heat oil in a kadhai and add the msutard seeds.
Once they splutter add the cooked banana blossom and the white peas.
Add a cup of the water the peas were boiled in.
Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala and salt
Cook until the water evaporates.
Garnish with coconut and serve
