Vazhakkai Varuval | Raw Banana Fry | Plantain Roast
Discover a simple and flavorful Vazhakkai Varuval recipe made with minimal oil, packed with the bold flavors of pepper and garlic.
Servings: 4
Calories: 162kcal
Ingredients
Measurement Details: 1 cup = 240ml; 1 tbsp = 15ml ; 1tsp = 5ml;
- 2 raw bananas plantain, vazhakai, approx 350 grams
- 2 tsps coconut oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ¼ tsp asafoetida
- 5 to 6 curry leaves
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
- ⅛ tsp turmeric powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Trim the edges of the raw bananas. Steam them using your preferred method. I used a stovetop pressure cooker—added 1 cup of water, placed a trivet, and set the trimmed bananas on top. Pressure cook for two whistles. For Instant Pot, steam for 5 minutes and release the pressure after 10 minutes.
- Let the cooked raw bananas cool slightly, then remove the skin—it should peel off easily.
- Chop the raw bananas into small cubes.
- Heat a pan or kadai and add coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, asafoetida, finely chopped garlic, and curry leaves.
- Add the chopped plantain, along with salt, pepper powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
- Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and mix well.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and roast for 5 to 7 minutes until a golden crust forms.
Notes
- Adjust salt and spices to your preference.
- Alternative Method (Without Steaming):
- Peel and chop the raw bananas into small pieces.
- Rinse a couple of times and keep them soaked in water until ready to use.
- After tempering, add the chopped raw bananas, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add two more tablespoons of water, spices, and salt, and cook until the bananas turn soft and tender.
- Finally, add two more teaspoons of oil and cook on low heat until a crispy golden crust forms.
Nutrition
Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 441mg | Potassium: 409mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg