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Almost every part of the banana plant is edible, except for the roots and leaves, but even the latter is used to serve meals. The banana fruit and flower are edible and each can be prepared as myriad dishes. Banana flower is used to make unique dishes, from simple dry curries to chutneys. The Banana Flower Chutney is a unique dish that is healthy for those wanting to lose weight, people who suffer from diabetes, and mothers who have just given birth, for its many health benefits.
Banana Flower Chutney is prepared in South India using dry spices, minimal masalas, and ghee. The preparation includes steaming the banana flower pieces and grinding it into a thick paste. A mixture of powdered spices are added and all the ingredients are cooked in ghee. The powdered spices include dried monkey jack which renders a tangy flavour to the dish, but, alternatively, tamarind can be used. The piquant dish is, thus, wholesome, leaving one satiated.
Perhaps, the most painstaking part of preparing banana flower chutney is the cleaning process of the flower. First, all the petals need to be removed. Next, the pistol needs to be taken out from the flower, and at the end of it, there is a white leaf that also needs to be taken out.
Banana flower chutney | Picture credit : Instagram - @sumus_food_gallery
Banana Flower is rich in fibre, which means it leaves one full for a long period of time and so it aids weight loss. It is also said to aid in digestion, and is believed to control blood sugar. It also contains antioxidants, and is believed to prevent prostate enlargement. It is also said to be good for lactating mothers, and so is advised to be served to young mothers. Banana flowers can be prepared in different ways, from crispy fritters to curries, such as the Bengali-style mochar (banana flower) ghonto to banana flower raita. The chutney is usually served with either steamed rice, along with some ghee, or with idli or dosa.
Here is the recipe for Banana Flower Chutney:
Ingredients:
- 1 banana flower
- ¼ cup of dried monkey jack
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- A pinch of ajwain or carom seeds
- Ghee
Method:
- Wash and clean the banana flower, then chop into small pieces.
- Steam the banana flower pieces for about 7 to 10 minutes until it turns soft.
- In a mixie, add the monkey jack, one teaspoon peppercorns, and carom seeds, and grind it.
- Next, grind the steamed banana flower pieces in a mixie into a thick paste.
- In a pan, heat 1/4 spoon of ghee, add the banana flower paste and stir well.
- Add the ground spices, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder, and salt, as per taste preference. Mix them well for about 20 minutes.
- Once it is cooked, serve hot.
