Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu Recipe - Plantains Pepper Curry

Step 1: To begin making the Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu , make cuts on the layer of banana stem and then discard the outer covering

Step 2: Slice the banana stem and as you do, you will find the fibre coming out every time you slice into stem, keep taking them out while proceeding

Step 3: Once sliced, take each slice and chop them to about 1 cm pieces and then keep it immersed in a bowl of water until further use to avoid discolouration

Step 4: To make the pepper masala, heat oil in a small tadka pan, add the chana dal, pepper corns, asafoetida, red chilli and roast till the dal becomes golden brown

Step 5: Add this to the mixer jar, add the grated coconut, cumin seeds and make a smooth paste adding little water at a time

Step 6: Keep aside

Step 7: Drain the cut plantains from water and add it to a saucepan, add a cup of water, season with salt and cook until soft

Step 8: This will take around 10 minutes

Step 9: To this add the prepared pepper masala, mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes

Step 10: Now, make a tadka by heating oil in a small todka pan, add the mustard seeds, urad dal, red chilli, curry leaves

Step 11: Once it splutters, add this to the simmering Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu, mix well and switch off the heat and serve hot

Step 12: Serve this Vazhakkai Milagu Kootu, along with Steamed Rice and Jeera Rasam for a simple meal for a weekday lunch