Vazhakkai Varuval-South Indian style pan roasted raw banana tossed in basic spices. These taste heavenly as a part of a typical South Indian lunch menu.
Like any sensible foodie human, i love my veggies fried sometimes. Sometimes being the operational word here. Its a different story when I go home though. Amma spoils me rotten with all her deep fried veggies stating that she never makes them when its just dad and her. But then, she makes puris every now and then. So i guess she is kind of even there with me when it comes to deep frying.
When I plan a menu for any given day, i think if one dish would complement the other. I dont make things randomly. Random is so not my style. So if its sambar or mor kuzhambu for lunch, then that day the curry is either roasted or deep fried or shallow fried. On one such day, i made this vazhakai varuval. No, i ve made this several other days too but then i had the common sense to click a picture of this super yummy varuval this time. This is such a simple recipe and yet so rewarding. Only, remember that you have to choose raw and firm plantains for making this fry.
Ingredients
The beauty of this dish is that it calls for very basic ingredients. Just make sure to choose raw plantains to make this curry. Semi-ripe plantains are slightly sweet and do not taste good when pan-fried.
Step by Step Method
Heat a cast iron or iron pan with 2 tbsp oil.Pop the mustard. Once done, add urad dal, curry leaves and hing. When the dal turns a light brown, add the cubed raw plantains and mix well.
Turn down the flame to medium low and cook the plantains open until fried evenly.Takes anywhere between 15 to 20 mins.
Once done, check if the plantains have turned tender by pressing one with a fork.If it mashes up easily, then its done. The plantains must have a crunchy outer by this time. Now, add salt, chili powder and coriander powder and mix well. Cook further for 2 mins on medium flame.
Once done, transfer to a bowl. Serve hot as an accompaniment with rice and sambar or mor kuzhambu
Vazhakai Varuval
Ingredients
- 300 g peeled and cubed Raw plantains
- 1.5 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds 1 tsp
- 1 tsp Urad dal 1 tsp
- 1/8 th tspHing a large pinch
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp Oil 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet with 2 tbsp oil.
- Pop the mustard.
- Once done, add urad dal, curry leaves and hing.
- When the dal turns a light brown, add the cubed raw plantains and mix well.
- Turn down the flame to medium low and cook the plantains open until fried evenly.
- Takes anywhere between 15 to 20 mins.
- Once done, check if the plantains have turned tender by pressing one with a fork.
- If it mashes up easily, then its done.
- The plantains must have a crunchy outer by this time.
- Now, add salt, chili powder and coriander powder and mix well.
- Cook further for 2 mins on medium flame.
- Once done, transfer to a bowl. Serve hot as an accompaniment with rice and sambar or mor kuzhambu
Notes
2. The amount of oil mentioned here was sufficient for my cooking. You may require more or less depending on the size of the plantains that you choose
3. I use regular vegetable oil for this but canola or grapeseed or olive oil works well too.
4. Skip the hing ( asafoetidia) if you want a gluten free version.
For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.
This recipe just might make me love plantains! Thanks for sharing at the weekly Potluck.
My fav anu
looks so yum! pass me that bowl and curd
wow wow my favorite and will finish this with curd rice
Need to try this one soon…looks really yummm…i m sure it tasted great with rice..