Once upon a time Bananas were grown in every home and estate in Kodagu and Kodagu was famous for various varieties of Bananas like Mara Baale and Yellakki Baale which are indigenous to the Kodagu highlands. While these crops have dwindled over the years, Bananas are still an important part of our cuisine. Bananas, both raw and ripe, are used in our recipes to make fritters, fries and sweet dishes.
Raw Bananas are a great source of Potassium, Vitamins-C and B6 and fibre. They are considered highly efficacious in people with diabetes and have probiotic properties making it good for the gut. (Source: Health Benefits Times). Raw Banana is used in a variety of dishes from kebabs to curries.
Here is a simple recipe from Kodagu to make a fry using Raw Banana or Kari Baale that is packed with flavors. It is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make. This dish is generally served as an accompaniment with white rice and rasam for lunch or dinner.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients (For 2)
2 Raw Bananas, peeled and cut into small pieces (as shown in image below)
1 big Onion, chopped fine
½ tsp Mustard seeds
8-10 Curry leaves
2 tbsp Oil
Salt to taste
½ tsp Kachumpuli/Tamarind paste
1 tsp Coriander powder
½ tsp Jeera powder
½ tsp Chilli powder
¼ tsp Turmeric
Method
- Soak the banana pieces in water for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix all the powders, coriander, jeera, chilli and turmeric, with ¼ cup of water to form a paste.
- In a pan, heat oil. When hot, add mustard seeds and let it sputter.
- Now add chopped onion and curry leaves. Fry till it becomes transparent. Add the powder paste and fry for a few minutes. Add ¾ cup water and boil on a slow flame. Add salt and Kachumpuli or tamarind paste and cook till the raw smell goes.
- Add the cut Bananas and allow it to cook on a slow flame till done.
Raw Banana fry or Kodava Kari Baale Palya is ready to eat. It is served as a side dish during lunch or dinner and goes very well with white rice.
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