Vazhapindi Upperi | Unnipindi Mezhukkupuratti | Banana Stem Stir Fry | Plantain Stem Stir Fry | Vazhaithandu Poriyal (without coconut)

Is vazhapindi a veggie that you like? I like it the most in sambar.. Ehh, u didn't know that you can add them in sambar? You sure can.. Cut them into round disks and add them in sambar just like you add radish.. Once it is cooked and soaked well in the sambar it justs tastes yum :) I know you will thank me for it once you have made and tasted it ;) I have already posted a kootu recipe from vazhathandu here, so today it's an easy upperi or stir fry from Kerala that can be made ready in a jiffy. It tastes really well with rice and a tangy gravy.. So let's see how it can be done. 

Recipe Source: Mil

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Cooking Time : 50 minutes

Serves : 4 persons 

I Used:

Banana Stem/Vazathandu/Unnipindi	-	1 ½ cup (after chopping)
Coconut Oil	-	2 tbsp
Mustard	-	½ tsp
Red Rice/Kuthari	-	3 tbsp
Re Chilly	-	2 nos
Curry Leaves	-	2 sprigs
Turmeric powder	-	¼ tsp
Salt	-	As Needed

The Way:

1. Clean the plantain stem/vazhaithandu by removing the outer rings till you reach the hard core central pith. Then slice them into 1/4 inch thick round disks. There will be fibre surrounding the disks, remove and discard them. now chop the round disks into small cubes an keep them immersed in water or preferably buttermilk (so as to retain the colour of the stem) 

2. Now take the chopped stem along with salt, turmeric powder and a 1/4 cup of water in a pressure cooker and cook them for 3-4 whistles in medium flame. If it is a good variety stem it will get cooked well else will take longer. See if it becomes soft and is cooked after 3-4 whistles, if not cook again till done. Alternately you can cook them in a pan also. If then refer step 5

3. Once the stem is cooked, heat the coconut oil in a pan. Splutter mustard

4. Add the red rice and broken red chillies. Saute on low flame for 3-4 minutes till the rice starts popping. Add the curry leaves

5. Finally add the cooked stem along with water if any. Give a nice stir and allow the water to dry. If you are not pressure cooking the stem, add them now with enough water (1/4 -1/2 cup) and allow it to cook covered over medium flame for 15-20 minutes. Cook till it is done and becomes soft and transparent. Also it should become dry

Switch off the flame and serve with red rice (or white) and a tangy gravy like puli kuzhambu or fish gravy!

Cheers,

Chitz