Plantain / Raw Banana / Vazhakai Poriyal

Plantain poriyal is a flavourful side with steamed plantain , onion ,Garlic,  spices and coconut. It pairs well with Sambar rice, rasam rice and curd rice. It is very simple dish , but easy to make. Thinly sliced plantain pieces are steamed with salt and then cooked with onions.

I steamed plantains with salt and turmeric powder in microwave on high, however you can do it on stove top also. For me, I find microwaving is quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 2 Raw Banana - peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 Tablespoon Oil
•  4 Garlic chopped roughly
• 1/2 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1/2 Teaspoon urad dal
• 6 curry leaves
• 1 Medium sized onion chopped finely
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
• 1 /2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• a pinch of Hing
• fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh coconut

Directions

1. In a microwave safe bowl, add sliced banana pieces along 1/4 Cup water , with a pinch of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt and microwave on high for 3 minutes
2. In a frying pan, heat oil. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter
3. Then add urad and curry leaves and fry until dal is light golden. Add hing and fry for few seconds
4. Add onions and Garlic  fry until they are soft
5. Add coriander powder, red chilli powder and turmeric powder , salt and stir
6. Add steamed plantain pieces along with water to the pan
7. Mix everything together and let it cook until all the water evaporates
8. Finally add grated coconut and ground pepper to taste and toss gently
9. Serve hot with steamed rice and sambar / rasam