Vazhakkai Varuval - Raw Banana Fry |Nithya's Nalabagam

Raw banana is a very common vegetable used in South Indian Cooking. Raw banana is called as Vazhakkai in tamil and Aratikaya in telugu. I Love raw banana bajji and Raw banana podimas. Vazhakkai varuval is a spicy crispy dry vegetable curry. Raw banana is sliced and marinated in the grind-ed spices. Then the raw banana slices are shallow fried . This Aratikaya vepudu is usually taken as a side dish to Rice. Thi vazhakkai varuval can also be served as an appetizer or snacks. check below for the detailed step wise instructions for South India Raw Banana Fry.

Preparation Time: 20 mins

Cook Time : 10 mins

Ready in : 30 mins
Yields : 3 Servings

Ingredients:

Table 1:

Oil	1 tbsp
Mustard	1/4 tsp
Ginger and garlic finely chopped	2 tsp
Curry leaves	4
onions chopped	1/4 Cup
Medium sized Raw Banana	1
Salt
Coriander leaves chopped	2 stalks

Table 2: To Marinate

Black pepper	1/2 tsp
Coriander seeds	1 tsp
Cumin seeds	1 tsp
Channa Dal	1 tsp
Urad Dal	1 tsp
Turmeric powder	1/4 tsp
Shredded coconut	1.5 tbsp
Red chillies	4
Fennel seeds	1 tsp
Curd / Yogurt	1 tbsp
Salt

Instructions:

Wash and peel the outer skin of raw banana. place the sliced banana pieces in water to avoid discoloration.

Dry roast pepper, coriander seeds, red chillies, chana dal, rad dal, cumin seed and fennel seeds. Grind it along with shredded coconut and turmeric powder to a fine paste.

Add curd, salt to the grind-ed mixture and marinate the sliced banana in this mixture for minimum of 10 minutes.

Heat Oil in a pan. Add mustard, when it splutters add finely chopped ginger, garlic, curry leaves. Fry till raw smell goes off. Add onions and salt. Fry till onions turn translucent.

Add marinated banana. Carefully place the marinated banana pieces in pan. Close it with lid and cook for 2-3 mins.

Turn the banana pieces and allow it to cook till it turns soft and tender. If needed, sprinkle some water. Switch of the stove and garnish with coriander leaves.