Vazhakka (Raw Banana) Podi

Nov 27th 2009

This is a recipe from my mother in law. This is more common with Thanjavur tamils and is a different use for the banana and a change from the usual paruppu and thengai podis. I as always like to have my podis on the side with thayir sadam, but these go well just mixed with rice and some oil. Sides for these include any kind of morkoyambu (recipe coming up next).

Ingredients

Two raw bananas

Urad dhal ( 1/4 cup approx.)

Red chillies (4-5 per taste)

Hing or Asafoetida ( a pinch)

Tamarind paste ( 1tsp)

oil ( 1 tsp)

salt (to taste)

Method of preparation

1. Place bananas in the microwave and just heat, keep heating at intervals of 1 min and turning them from side to side. The skin will turn soft and you can feel it to make sure the bananas are cooked. Approximately 6-7 min (will vary depending on power and make of microwave) - my disclaimer here, if something goes wrong :)
2. As for any thogayal, take a little bit of oil and add to it the urad dhal and red chillies and a little bit of hing. Roast till slightly brown in color and turn off gas. Tamarind paste can be added at this point or even when grinding.
3. Wait till the bananas have cooled and then peel off skin.
4. Grind the first mix in the mixie (small blender) and then add the bananas (cut in pieces) and blend on low once or twice.
5. Add salt and mix well and enjoy!

P.S. If you are impatient like I was, then the bananas will not be separated and will not be powder like, so make sure you allow it to cool before grinding.