Raw Banana Pepper Stir Fry.

“Raw Banana Pepper Stir Fry” … a delicious side dish/ bhaaji/ upkari prepared with minimum spices that brings out a unique peppery taste ... best served with dal/ saaru- chawal during meals … Yummilicious …

** I am always in search of simple veggie dishes to be served during meals that is not only healthy but easy to prepare. Well, here the bhaji does take some time while cooking, however it tastes great, served with simple meal of either dal- chawal or saar- chawal. I served it with spicy tomato saar and chawal (rice) along with cucumber- onion- tomato raita and it was indeed a wonderful combination.

** Raw Banana’s are easily available all round the country in fact worldwide, so do try this one keeping the spice level desired to individual taste. Do not use fine black pepper powder that is available in stores instead use freshly ground coarse whole black pepper corns for best of taste. There are plenty of variations to this simple recipe and I will surely share them as and when I prepare, till then try these and enjoy with your family.

** Here is my recipe for “Raw Banana Pepper Stir Fry” … my style ….

** Wash 3-4 medium sized harve kele/ raw banana (vegetable), trim the edges and peel off the skin. Cut the banana into ¼ inch thick circular slices and add into a bowl with plenty of water (this prevents them from turning blackish).

** Put the pieces in a colander to let excess water be drained completely, remove and add into a bowl along with salt (namak/ meeta) to taste. Add 1 tblsp of coconut oil (nariyal tel/ narlel tela) and mix well to coat the pieces evenly.

** Heat 1 tblsp of coconut oil (nariyal tel/ narlel tela) in a thick bottomed kadai/ pan, when hot add ½ tsp of haldi (turmeric) powder, ½ - 1 tsp of hing (asafoetida) powder, 10-12 fresh curry leaves (kadipatta/ karbevu) and fry for a second.

** Add raw banana pieces and mix all together well on medium heat for 2 minutes. Add about ¼ cup of water, mix well, cover and let cook on medium heat for a few minutes only. Mix well, lower the heat, cover and let cook until done.

** Remember to keep mixing the raw banana pieces often for even cooking and to prevent them sticking to the kadai or turning softer and sticking to each other, this step is important. If found necessary sprinkle some water.

** When 90% cooked add 3-4 tblsp of freshly ground coarse black pepper corns (kali miri/ mire) and mix well, cover and cook until done. Remove and keep it aside covered for 10-20 minutes for the banana pieces to remain perfectly done.

** Note : I have added minimum oil, if you find the raw banana pieces sticking to each other too much while being cooked then you may add in a few teaspoons of coconut oil, sprinkle some water, mix well and continue to cook.

** “Raw Banana Pepper Stir Fry” is done and ready to be served. Tastes best served during meals with dal/ saar with chawal/ rice. Always make it compulsory to serve one upkari/ bhaji during meals even if there are plenty of other dishes. In most GSB Konkani Saraswat homes, one veggie upkari or leafy veggie upkari is always served, be it for lunch or dinner and amma too always followed this rule which I try my level best to follow most of the times. It is a healthy habit to cultivate among children so that they too follow this simple method in future there by making it done so for coming generations.

** There are plenty of "Upkari/ Bhaji/ Sitr Fry" be it with veggies, leafy vegetables, pulses etc. shared in the Blog, do browse through using search option or label section and try them and enjoy a healthy lifestyle for your family.