Koombu Thoran (Banana Flower Stir fry)

Banana flower which may also called banana blossom , grows on the end of the stem holding a cluster of bananas. It is considered as Asian tropical vegetable. It has valuable source of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. The banana flower is used in Southeast Asian and Indian cooking. Koombu thoran is keralites' favourite item. Here is recipe for you all to try. 

Ingredients

• Banana Flower 1 medium size
• Onion 1 medium size, chopped
• Green Chilli 4 nos, slited
• Coconut 1/4 cup, grated
• Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp
• Mustard seeds 1 tsp
• Dry red chilli 2 nos
• Curry Leaves 2 sprigs
• Coconut oil 
• Salt

Method

Remove few of the petals of banana flower from the outer part. Then chop the rest of the flower finely. Mix 1 tsp of coconut oil with the chopped flower and keep aside for 10 minutes, then rinse with water, drain water and keep aside. 

Now in a pan heat the coconut oil and splutter mustard seeds. Then add in the red chilli and curry leaves , now add the chopped onion and saute for 1 minute. Now add sliced green chilli and followed by chopped banana flower. Now add turmeric powder and salt combine well. Cover and cook till its done. Stir in-between. Now add grated coconut and mix well. Cover and keep for 2 minutes, open and check salt, if need add accordingly. Put off flame and serve with warm rice.

NB: First apply some coconut oil to play and rub, this will help to prevent sticky liquid oozing from banana flower from sticking to hand. If you have shallots use that instead of onion. You can crush shallots and green chilli with coconut and add once the flower is cooked. Enjoy cooking..