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Are you tired of the same old snacks and meals during the monsoon season? Why not try incorporating banana stem dishes into your routine? The banana stem, also known as the banana stalk, is a tasty and nutritious part of the banana plant. Unlike typical plant stems, the banana stem is made of rolled-up leaves, giving it a unique crunchy texture.
Video Credit: Dindigul Food Court/ YouTube
Widely used in South Indian cuisine, banana stem is packed with vitamins that keep you strong and healthy. It's also rich in fibre, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer, which can help with weight management. With its mild sweetness, banana stem can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked into delicious dishes. Here are some recipes to get you started:
Banana Stem Pickle
Banana stem pickle is a staple pickle enjoyed mostly in South Indian households. This pickle is assembled when sliced and cleaned stems are mixed with mustard seeds, fenugreek, red chilli powder, and turmeric vinegar and generates a crunchy pickle that is sour and spicy in taste. Banana stem pickle is a good companion of curd rice, dosa, or paratha, which give a delightful touch to any meal.
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Banana Stem Chaat
Banana stem chaat is the healthy alternative for those who avoid puffed rice chaat. Banana stem chaat is the fusiom of health benefits of banana stem with the vital flavours of chaat masala, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. The process of making banana stem Requires finely chopped bananas, which are mixed then mixed with vegetables like onions, green chillies, tomatoes, and coriander leaves. You can’t resist the crunchy texture and tangy and spicy taste of banana stem for your perfect monsoon snack option.
Banana Stem Poriyal
Banana Stem Poriyal is a quick and easy dish that makes a healthy addition to your monsoon meals. This delicacy involves sautéing finely chopped banana stem with other vegetables and spices until tender. The dish is then enhanced with grated coconut, adding texture and extra flavour. Serve it with steamed rice and dal for a light, satisfying meal on rainy days.
Banana Stem Soup
Banana stem soup is a nutritious dish that brings comfort during the monsoon. To prepare it, boil pieces of banana stem with vegetables until tender, then gently cook with coconut milk and black pepper. This creamy soup provides warmth and hydration, making it perfect for the rainy season.
Banana Stem Kootu
Kootu is another essential dish mostly preferred in South India, which is rich in fibre and protein. Banana stem kootu is made by combining the richness of banana stem with lentils, especially moong dal, which are well cooked together with different spices like black pepper, coconut paste, and cumin. It can be a satisfying meal for monsoon when served with rice and chapati.
Video Credit: Dindigul Food Court/ Youtube
Banana Stem Kebab
Banana stem Kebab is the most delightful and healthy alternative to traditional kebabs. These banana stem kababs are made with the combination of finely chopped banana stem with mashed potato, spices, and herbs, and then this mixture is shaped into patties and shallow fried until it gets the soft, flavourful exterior and crispy, golden brown interior. It is often paired and served with mint chutney and a yoghurt dip, which makes it both a delicious and healthy option for the monsoon.
