Vazhakkai podimas (Easy method)

Vazhakkai podimas is a tasty curry made out of Raw bananas. Generally the raw banana is half cooked and grated. Grating process can not be done if it turns mushy so care needs to be taken while cooking banana.  In case if you want to do this podimas quickly or if the Raw banana turned mushy while cooking, no worries...... use this easy method to make podimas. 



Ingredients:

• 2 Raw bananas/Plantain
• 2 tbsp Grated coconut
• 1 tsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Coriander leaves (chopped finely)
• A pinch Turmeric powder
• As per taste Salt

For Seasoning:

• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1 tsp Channa dal
• 1 tsp Urad dal
• 1 Red chilli (break into 2 pieces)
• 1/4 tsp Asafoetida/Hing
• 1 Green chilli (finely chopped)
• 1 small piece Ginger (skin peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 Spring curry leaves (chop them roughly)
• 2 tbsp Oil

Method:

1) Trim the edges and Cut each plantain/Raw banana into 2 pieces with skin. Pressure cook plantain for 2-3 whistles. I usually keep this plantain pieces in a bowl on top of rice in the same pressure cooker, no issues even if it takes more whistles also it saves time for me.

2) After it is cooked, let it cool down for some time. If you don't have time to cool down, just show this cooked plantain in tap water to cool down immediately.

3) You will be able to peel the skin easily after it gets cooked. Now mash the steamed banana with a fork or spoon, also you can press it with fingers to make them get separated roughly.

4) Heat oil in a kadai and season the ingredients given in "For Seasoning".

5) Now add the Raw banana, Turmeric powder, Salt and fry. 

6) After it turns crispy, add grated coconut, coriander leaves and lemon juice and mix well. Switch off the flame immediately after mixing them.

Our tasty podimas is ready to be served.

Tips:

1) If you want this podimas to be crispy, add more oil to vazhakkai and fry for more minutes.