Kadali Bhanda Tarkari ( banana flower curry )

Cooking Time Required: 15-20 mins
Cost of preparation: 20-25 Rupees

Ingredients: Kadali Bhanda/ banana flowers ( 1 no), potato ( 1 large ),onion ( 1 no., medium ), pancha phutana ( 1/5 tsp ), dry red chillis ( 3-5 nos ), coriander seeds ( 1 tsp ), cumin seeds ( 1/3 tsp), cardamon ( 2 nos ), cinnamon stick ( 1 inch ), chopped ginger ( 1 tsp ), garlic flakes ( 5-6 nos ), bay leaf ( 2 nos), turmeric, salt, oil for cooking ( 5-7 tsp ).

Preparation: Clean and cut the banana flowers into inch long pieces( refer to my older post for the method ). Cut the potato into small pieces and keep aside.

Boil the flowers along with the salt and turmeric in a pressure cooker for about 5 mins. Drain and wash under running water to get rid of the bitterness. ( It is preferable to taste the flowers at this stage. If it still tasting too bitter for ones palate, it should be discarded.

Grind the onion, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, 3 red chillis, ginger, garlic flakes, cinnamon and cardamom into a smooth paste with a little water. Keep aside.

Cooking: Heat 1-2 tsp oil in a wok. Add the potato pieces and fry lightly. Remove and keep aside.

Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the pancha phutana, bay leaves and 1-2 red chilli. Follow with the turmeric and masala paste, and fry till it turns brownish.

Add the boiled banana flowers along with the fried potato and stir fry till the excess water disappears.

Add 1/2 cup of water and salt to taste. Cover with a tight lid. Cook for 5 mins.

Remove from fire. Serve hot with rice/rotis.