Vazhaithandu Kootu | Banana Stem Dal | Banana Stem Kootu Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Recipe | Masterchefmom

Hi Supermoms,

The Banana Stem is filled with health benefits. In Tamil, banana stem is called Vazhaithandu. I have shared so many banana stem recipes with you all. Each time I buy banana stem, I try new recipes. Will try share them with all of you. Recently I have shared the Banana Stem Rasam that can be served as a soup and Banana Stem Poriyal. Do check them out.

The main problem that many face while cooking the banana stem is the process of cleaning and chopping them. I have shared a detailed blog post showing you the method I follow to clean as well as store the banana stem for 2-3 days. Yes, you can actually clean and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days and use in smaller portions. 

Today's recipe is really simple. Just involves two steps. First is pressure cooking the banana stem along with chana dal/bengal gram and the second is grinding the Kootu podi/kootu powder and adding it to the cooked vegetable. 

Kootu consistency is thicker than regular dal/pappu. Adjust water quantity accordingly. I have shared more tips in my recipe video. Do watch and make this Kootu for yourself and your family. I am sure even people who do not love this vegetable will love this dish. 

Banana Stem Kootu / Vazhaithandu Kootu by Masterchefmom

Total time : 25 minutes

Serves: 4

1 cup=250 ml cup

NOTE: You can try this recipe using cabbage, snake gourd, bottle gourd, flat beans, spinach or chayote squash, ash gourd, ridge gourd , cucumber or even carrot. Adjust water depending upon the type of vegetable you are cooking in this recipe.

Ingredients:

2 cups banana stem ( cleaned and soaked in diluted buttermilk)

1/2 cup chana dal/bengal gram

1/8 tsp turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the Kootu Podi :

1/4 cup fresh coconut

2.5 tsp roasted gram

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

1.5 tsp coriander seeds

1/2” ginger

1 green chilli

1 dry red chilli (adjust according to your spice preference)

For garnish:

1 sprig curry leaves

1 tsp coconut oil 

Important Note : You can watch the step by step instructions to making this recipe in my recipe video below:

Method:

1. Pressure cook the banana stem along with chana dal, turmeric powder for 3-4 whistles over medium flame and switch off.

Chef tip : Add 1.5 cups water ( adjust)

2. To the jar of a mixer, add all the ingredients given under 'Kootu Podi' and grind it to a powder or you can add 1/4 cup water and grind it to a paste.

3. Open the pressure cooker, add the Kootu podi or Kootu masala, adjust water quantity ( if required) and allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes and switch off. 

4. Tear and add 3-4 curry leaves, a teaspoon of coconut oil and  cover the vessel until you serve it. 

Optionally, you can heat the oil and temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves. 

Your delicious and healthy Vazhaithandu Kootu is now ready to be served! 

Happy Cooking!

With love,

Masterchefmom