Vaazhaithandu Molakootal (Banana Stem Molakootal)

     This is yet another traditional dish from Kerala, one of the many variations that can be tried in Molakootal, by altering the vegetables. The key ingredient in this dish is Banana Stem (Vaazhaithandu). This makes a different meal from the routine chain of sambar, rasam and is very filling too. The inviting part of making molakootals is that there is no need to make a specific side-dish for this, as any pickle or thogayal will go well along with this :P
Obviously this combo makes cooking simplified for the day !!! 

Prep Time: 15 mins || Cook Time:  30 mins || Serves: 4 ||  Category: Rice Accompaniment

Ingredients:
1. Banana Stem - 1 medium sized
2. Grated coconut - 3tbsp
3. Cumin Seeds (jeera) - 3tsp
4. Dry red chillies - 2
5. Urad Dal - 1tsp
6. Salt - as required
7. Turmeric Powder
8. Toor Dal - 75 gms (cooked and mashed)
9. Asafoetida - 1tsp
10. Oil - 1tbsp
11. Mustard seeds - 2tsp
12. Curry Leaves - a sprig
13. Buttermilk - 1 cup (diluted)

Method:
1. Cut the banana stem into thin slices, make them into strips and finely chop them. Keep the chopped banana stem immersed in diluted buttermilk, until all the slices are done with chopping. Wash the chops and pressure cook in a pan for about 3 - 4 whistles, adding turmeric powder.

2. Grind coconut, jeera, urad dal & red chillies into a paste. Open the pressure pan once the steam resides and add the ground paste and mix well.

3. Let the ground paste and cooked banana stem boil for about 5 mins. Then add the mashed toor dal, hing, salt and mix well. Let it boil for 3-5 mins until everything blends to form a thick mass.

4. Switch off the flame and temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Suggestions:

• Soaking the banana stem in buttermilk, helps to avoid browning.
• Urad dal has been added while grinding, in order to give a thick consistency & better binding. Adding urad dal is optional.
• Can have this as a side-dish for rasam too.

    A wholesome meal is ready. Serve with any tangy thogayal or pickle :)