Raw banana or plantain is a very common and popular ingredient in most Kerala dishes. There are two kinds of raw banans you can find in Kerala - the local one or the naadan kaya and the ones from Tamil Nadu that are thicker and shorter - called paandi vazhakka. The paandi vazhakka is the one used to make most raw banana dishes in Kerala. The banana is also added to a lot of popular dishes as well as cooked on its own in dishes like kaya thoran and kaya mezhukkupuratti.
While making the aviyal, some raw banana was left over so I quickly made mezhukkupuratti with that. My roomie finished it off before we even had lunch and she says that's supposed to be a compliment. Well, I guess so :)
KAYA MEZHUKKUPURATTI
Serves 2
Kaya/Raw Banana : one big, cut into long pieces
Garlic paste : 1 tablespoon
Chilli powder : 2 teaspoons
Oil : 2 tablespoons
Salt : to taste
Curry leaves : 1 strand
How to make Kaya Mezhukkupuratti:
1. Add very little water to the cut banana pieces and boil it with lid closed.
2. When the pieces turn soft (will take about 5 minutes), uncover and keep on fire till the water evaporates completely.
3. Heat oil in a pan and crackle the mustard seeds.
4. Lighly saute the garlic paste, chilli powder and curry leaves before adding the banana pieces.
5. Fry till golden brown, add salt and serve hot with rice and sambar.
While making the aviyal, some raw banana was left over so I quickly made mezhukkupuratti with that. My roomie finished it off before we even had lunch and she says that's supposed to be a compliment. Well, I guess so :)
KAYA MEZHUKKUPURATTI
Serves 2
Kaya/Raw Banana : one big, cut into long pieces
Garlic paste : 1 tablespoon
Chilli powder : 2 teaspoons
Oil : 2 tablespoons
Salt : to taste
Curry leaves : 1 strand
How to make Kaya Mezhukkupuratti:
1. Add very little water to the cut banana pieces and boil it with lid closed.
2. When the pieces turn soft (will take about 5 minutes), uncover and keep on fire till the water evaporates completely.
3. Heat oil in a pan and crackle the mustard seeds.
4. Lighly saute the garlic paste, chilli powder and curry leaves before adding the banana pieces.
5. Fry till golden brown, add salt and serve hot with rice and sambar.
