Banana stem raita/ Plantain stem salad/ Bale dindu salli

There is no doubt that Banana stem or plantain stem is an underrated vegetable though many of us are aware of its numerous health benefits. We Indians love to have a banana plant in our backyard always for its fruits and most of the time ignoring its other equally important parts such as stem, flower, leaf… Having said so, I also admit that not all the varieties of banana stems go well in cooking. There are some varieties known for their stem & flowers too.

As you are here, I assume that you definitely know about plantain stem & its benefits and also some of its recipes. At a high level, these stems are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals which make it helpful in managing diabetes, cholesterol, Gut health, weight management... It is well known as a wonderful home remedy for Kidney stone & related ailments.  

I am sharing a simple, quick salad recipe today with you. This salad is made with banana stem, yogurt/ curds, and basic herbs & spices. This is the best way to consume this healthiest veggie in its raw farm. You can find other recipes of Plantain stem here too–

Now let us learn how to make bale dandu mosaru gojju or Salli aka. Plantain stem raita or salad.

Banana stem raita or Plantain stem salad or Bale dandu salli


Preparation time: 15 mins

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

Banana stem/ plantain stem – 1 cup (finely chopped)

Thick fresh curds – 1.5 cups

Onions – 1 medium (finely chopped)

Green chilli/ birds eye chillis - 2  ( as per taste)

Coriander leaves – 2 tsp (finely chopped)

Salt – to taste (1 tsp)

Coconut oil – 2 tsp

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

Dry red chilli – 1

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Hing/ asafetida – one pinch

Method:

  • Take tender fresh banana stem, remove all the external fibrous layers.
  • Take only core of the banana stem and Slice into thin discs removing the thread like fibre as much as possible and put it in water. Immersing the chopped stem in water or thin buttermilk helps to avoid blackening of the vegetable.
  • Finely chop the banana stem discs and keep in water until you combine it with curds.
  • Now, peel the onions, wash and finely chop it.
  • Wash and chop/ slit the green chilli.
  • Chop coriander leaves.
  • Now take a wide serving bowl. Add the chopped banana stem, onions, green chillis, coriander leaves and salt to it.
  • Add Curds and mix everything well.
  • Prepare a seasoning of mustard, cumin, dry red chilli, curry leaves and asafetida in coconut oil. On spluttering add it to the salad.
  • Serve it fresh with boiled rice.

Banana stem raita (salad) or  Bale dandu salli


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