Raw Banana Upkari / Bhaji.

Raw Banana Upkari / Bhaji ......

Raw banana upkari / bhaji is a specialty of mostly all South Indians using the bananas that are available specially for upkari / bhaji purpose. Raw banana bhaji is really a healthy food to be incorporated into your daily life diet routines. It is very easy to make and is done with a bit of variation in each community. I am posting a simple recipe that is followed by GSB / Saraswat Konkani in their houses. 

Slice off / peel the skins of 2-3 large sized raw bananas (bhaji variety bananas) as thinly and closely as possible. Then chop the bananas into small sized cubes. Apply a bit of oil to your left hand that may otherwise get blackened when chopping the bananas. The oil will keep your hands free from stickiness and blackening. Put the chopped banana cubes in a vessel with plenty of water and keep aside. This is to ensure that the bananas do not become black before you cook the bhaji. You should not keep it to soak but just till its ready to go into the kadai only.

Heat 2 tblsp of oil in a thick bottomed kadai, when hot, lower the heat and add 1 tsp of rai (sasam), when its about to start spluttering, add in 3-4 red chillies chopped to pieces, 1 tsp hing powder (If using powder add now), a few curry leaves and fry a minute.

Add the cubed banana pieces, draining off the water, salt to taste and mix all well. If using hing water instead of powder add in a tablespoon of the same now. Add some tablespoon of water if necessary, if you finding it getting stuck to the kadai. Be careful as to not add much water which will result in the upkari / bhaji turning out soggy. 

Mix well and cook on low heat covering with a tight fitting lid. Keep checking to ensure that it does not get burnt. You can keep sprinkling water now and then in case you find it too dry. Cook on low heat till done. Serve hot as an accompaniment with Dal Chawal.