Banana Stem Lentil recipe
Almost all part of the banana tree can be consumed. Be it banana, banana flower, stem, and also banana leaf which can be used for steaming dumplings and serving food. Each part has its own nutritive and healing properties.Banana stem carries within itself a lot of health benefits and keep many diseases at bay. The outer porous portion is removed and the inner creamy white layer is the edible portion which is used for cooking. Banana stem is high in fibre which helps in weight loss and constipation. It is a good source of Iron, Vit B6, potassium & natural diuretic i.e., it helps get rid of excess water in the body through urine, thereby preventing water retention (which leads to bloating and swelling) & also treats urinary infections and kidney stones. Also it’s good for maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels, curing acidity, heartburn etc.Banana stem can be consumed as juice or as a side dish. There are lot of ways to incorporate it in our diet. Although the preparation is a time consuming process, the health benefits are worth it.
Ingredients
- 2 Cup Banana Stem (chopped)
- ½ Cup Green Gram
- ½ Cup Coconut
- 2-3 Red chilli
- ¼ tsp Cumin
- 3-4 Garlic
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 2-3 Small onion
- Curry leaves
Instructions
- Normally banana stem comes with 2 layers, the outer porous one and the inner hard edible portion. Make a slit and cut open the outer porous layer. The inner hard core is used for cooking. If you get the inner core as such, then avoid the step above.
- Slice into circles, while doing so you can find lots of fibers from the stem. Remove it using fingers and continue chopping. Later chop them into small pieces and immerse in water
- There will be fibers still present even though some was removed during slicing. To remove that, run a rod or wooden stick into the vessel in a circular pattern.
- Once you pull out the rod/stick you can see fibers attached to it. Discard it and repeat the process a couple more times.
- Wash green gram and cook it for a whistle by adding enough water.(can even add sprouted green gram for more healthier version)
- Grind coconut, red chilli, garlic and cumin to a slight coarse paste.
- Add banana stem, grinded coconut mix, salt and turmeric powder to green gram and cook for a whistle. (No need to add water if there is remains after cooking green gram, else add quarter cup water)
- In another pan add oil, splutter mustard, curry leaves, onion and saute. Garnish it.
- Banana stem lentil sabzi is ready to serve with rice.
