Banana Flower Stir Fry | Vazhaipoo Poriyal recipe | Unique & nutritious dish

Banana Flower Stir Fry | Vazhaipoo Poriyal recipe – with step by step photos, description and video the recipe is here. Healthy and tasty, nutrient rich stir fry is prepared from Banana flower. Benefits of Banana plant is not just limited to the fruit. Banana Stem and Banana flower also contains lot of nutrients, but most of us are not aware. 

When we think of bananas, our minds often wander to the sweet and creamy fruit that graces breakfast tables worldwide. Yet, there’s a hidden gem within the banana plant that often escapes our attention—the banana flower. Also known as the banana blossom, this vibrant, teardrop-shaped bud holds within its layers a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and health benefits.
Firstly, Even though banana flower is nutritious, cleaning is the tedious job. Banana Blossom Stir fry or Vazhaipoo poriyal is a great accompaniment or side dish along with rice.

Moreover, I haven’t had this for years now. When I went to mom’s place last month, while roaming through the farm I saw these banana flowers and thought of preparing stir fry out of them. Mom helped me in cleaning the banana flower and chopping them finely. Taste of this dish was very much similar to that of bamboo shoot stir fry.

Banana Flower Stir Fry | Vazhaipoo Poriyal recipe,

What is Banana flower?

Banana flower left on the tree would turn into banana’s. The South East Asians were the first peoples known to cultivate banana plants. In Malaysia the prepared blossoms as well as immature green fruits are combined and cooked into a curry. 

Health benefits of Banana Flower

Flower is used as a traditional medicine to treat bronchitis, constipation, menstrual cramps and ulcer problems. It regulates the blood pressure. Moreover it lowers the blood cholesterol, and promotes the functional efficiency of kidneys. Banana flower also has the ability to treat infection.

When it comes to South Indian cuisine, flavors burst forth in a vibrant dance of spices and ingredients. One such culinary gem is the Banana Flower Stir Fry, known as “Vazhaipoo Poriyal” in Tamil. This dish combines the earthy goodness of banana flowers with the aromatic spices of South India, resulting in a mouthwatering vegetarian delight.

Culinary uses of Banana Flower

Banana Flower can be used in stir fries.

Banana blossom/ flowers are used in soups and many types salads.

Few months back I have posted a recipe of Banana stem salad| Vazhaithandu Salad

Before going to the recipe I would like to highlight some of the other recipes here.

Snow Banana | Raw Banana snack,

Palak chakli | Palak murukku,

Banana Payasam | Banana Kheer recipe,

Hibiscus Flower Salad | Refreshing Hibiscus Salad,

BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY RECIPE VIDEO :

SUGGESTED WATCH : Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade 

RECIPE CARD FOR BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY RECIPE:

Banana Flower Stir Fry | Vazhaipoo Poriyal recipe

Healthy and tasty, nutrient rich stir fry is prepared from Banana flower.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 Banana Flower or Banana Blossom
• 2 tsp Oil
• 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Generous pinch of Asafoetida
• 5-6 Curry Leaves
• 1/2 tsp Dry Mango Powder
• Salt to taste
• 3 TBSP Grated Coconut

Instructions

 

• Wash the 2-3 Banana flower/ Banana blossom well. Remove the outer layer until you are able to remove the layers.
• After removing the outer layer of the banana flower, chop them finely.
• Take 2 tsp of oil in a pan. 
• Once the oil is heated, add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds.
• Add 1/2 tsp of cumin.
• Next add 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder. Also add generous pinch of asafoetida. 
• Add few curry leaves. 
• Also add 2-3 green chillies chopped. Adjust the spice based on your taste. 
• Then add 2 cups of finely chopped Banana flower, give it a good mix.
• Fry until banana flowers gets cooked.
• Once they are almost cooked, add 1/2 tsp dry mango powder.
• Add salt to taste.
• Mix well and cook on a low flame. Stir in between. 
• Next add 3 TBSP of grated coconut.
• Fry on a low flame for 2 minutes, until it is cooked well. 
• Ready to serve. 

Video

Notes

HOW TO MAKE BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY | VAZHAIPOO PORIYAL RECIPE WITH STEP BY STEP PHOTOS: 

1. Wash the 2-3 Banana flower/ Banana blossom well. Remove the outer layer until you are able to remove the layers.
2. After removing the outer layer of the banana flower, chop them finely.
3. Take 2 tsp of oil in a pan.
4. Once the oil is heated, add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds.
5. Add 1/2 tsp of cumin.
6. Next add 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder. Also add generous pinch of asafoetida.
7. Add few curry leaves.
8. Also add 2-3 green chillies chopped. Adjust the spice based on your taste.
9. Then add 2 cups of finely chopped Banana flower, give it a good mix.
10. Fry until banana flowers gets cooked.
11. Once they are almost cooked, add 1/2 tsp dry mango powder.
12. Add salt to taste.
13. Mix well and cook on a low flame. Stir in between.
14. Next add 3 TBSP of grated coconut.
15. Fry on a low flame for 2 minutes, until it is cooked well.
16. Ready to serve.

Keyword Banana Flower Stir Fry, Vazhaipoo Poriyal

TIPS & VARIATIONS :

1. Firstly, you can boil and cook beforehand, then put the tempering and add the cooked banana flowers.
2. Before cleaning the banana flower, apply little oil on your hands, so that it will not stick to hands.
3. Adjust the spice based on your taste.
4. Adding freshly grated coconut gives it an excellent flavour to the dish.
   

Exploring new ingredients can be an exciting culinary adventure, and this Banana Flower Stir Fry recipe is a testament to that. By incorporating the nutritious and flavorful banana flower into your cooking, you’re not only creating a delightful dish but also reaping the benefits of its rich nutritional profile. So, the next time you’re in the mood to experiment in the kitchen, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a truly unique and satisfying meal!