Raw Banana Curry

A great substitute to potatoes and root vegetables, raw banana (also known as plantain) is full of nutritional value and a healthy ingredient. Raw bananas are a popular vegetable cooked often in South Indian homes and used to make various dishes such as curries, stews or snacks (aka the famous banana chips). In this recipe we cook it as a curry, which can be made into a thick gravy or a dry curry (sabji).

Prep. time                Cook time                     Serves 

15 Mins.                  30-35 Mins.                  4 Adults

Ingredients:

• Cold-pressed Coconut oil – 1 tbsp
• Raw green Bananas – 5-6 pieces
• Chopped Onion – 1 whole
• Red chillies – 1-2 (soaked, dried and made into a paste)
• Garlic – 4-5 cloves
• Grated fresh Turmeric – ½ tbsp (alternatively, Immunity powder- 2 tsp)
• Grated Ginger – 2 tbsp
• Cumin seeds (Jeera) – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds (Rai) – 2 tsp
• Fresh Coconut Milk – 2 cups
• Tamarind (Imli) paste – 2 tbsp
• Curry leaf – 1 sprig
• Chopped fresh Coriander – 4-5 tbsp
• Chopped Basil – 4-5 tbsp
• Salt – as per taste

Procedure:

• Fill a pot of water and add the bananas one by one.
• Boil for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
• When the banana starts to lose its color, turn off the gas and set it aside.
• Once cooled completely, peel and chop the banana into cubes.
• In a pan, heat the coconut oil and add the jeera, mustard seeds, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry lead and red chilli paste. Cook it for 10 mins.
• Add the chopped bananas and stir, then add the coconut milk and tamarind paste.
• Cover the pan with a lid. Make sure the lid is on tight, and cook on a low flame for 5 to 6 minutes.
• Add coriander, basil, and salt as per taste.
• Tastes best when served hot with rice and roti.

NOTE – Keep cut bananas from turning brown by immediately boiling them in water and cooking till they’re mushy. Once cooled, peel them immediately and use them.

Raw bananas contain two types of fibre-resistant starch and pectin. This combination makes you feel fuller. They also work as an excellent probiotic, feeding the friendly bacteria in your gut.