Vegan Banana Blossom Stir-Fry:

Banana flowers are rich in vitamins C, A and fiber. Although the taste resembles leeks, their crunch and flavor comes out when they are cooked with hot, Indian spices along with grated coconut. Here is a stir-fry recipe that is healthy as well as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana flower, cleaned, chopped into small strips or pieces
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp split black gram
• ¼ asafetida, powdered
• 1 tsp split Bengal gram
• 2 red chilies, dried
• A sprig of curry leaves
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 3 tbsp coconut, grated
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Take a saucepan and place water, turmeric powder and chopped banana flower in it.
2. Bring the water to boil.
3. Reduce the flame to medium or low and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
4. Drain the chopped banana flower and keep aside.
5. Take a pan and heat oil in it.
6. Add mustard seeds and let it splutter.
7. Add black gram and cook until it becomes reddish-brown.
8. Add Bengal gram and cook for a few minutes.
9. Add asafetida, curry leaves, and cook for around half a minute.
10. Add salt and banana flower and cook over medium heat until dry.
11. Lastly add the grated coconut and cook again for 3 minutes.
12. Serve hot with steamed or boiled rice.