Vazhakkai Mezhukkupuratti - Kerala Style Raw Banana stir fry

Mezhukkupuratti, or Stir fry is a typical Kerala Style Stir-Fry and often made with vegetables like Raw Banana, Yam or any other vegetables. This raw banana sir fry is very flavorful side dish which goes very well with rice. Let's see how its done. Quick video below for easy reference

Ingredients:

• Raw banana – 3 medium sized banana/plantain
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
• Salt as needed
• Shallots – 5-6 (optional)
• Garlic – 5-6 cloves peeled
• Dried red chilli - 3-4 (or as per spice level)
• Kashmiri Red Chilli powder – 1-2 (optional -for colour)
• Coconut oil/ vegetable oil – 2 tsp
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – a sprig

Method :

1. Peel the skin of raw banana and cut it lengthwise and keep it in water (to avoid changing colour/ discolouration)
2. Now, take a sauce pan/ pan and add the cut raw banana, to it add just enough water to cover the raw banana, add turmeric powder, salt needed. 
3. Cook the raw banana until soft but not mushy. Take care not to over cook the banana. 
4. Once cooked, strain the excess water (If any) and keep it aside.
5. Meanwhile, pound or crush the garlic and red dry chilli and shallots (If using) on a mortar pestle or pulse in a mixer just for a second. Keep it aside.
6. In a pan, heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add and the ground onion + garlic + red chilli mixture.
7. Saute until this mixture turns transparent.
8. To this, add the par cooked raw banana, and stir fry on medium heat for another few minutes.
9. Check for seasoning and add if needed
10. Garnish with some curry leaves. 
11. And it's done. Have this as a side to your rice & sambhar or any other curry of your choice. 

Notes:

• Make sure not to overcook the raw banana. Add very little water for cooking. If water is left over, just drain it. 
• Make sure to cut the banana and keep adding them in water to avoid discoloration. 
• Apply oil on your palm, knife and chopping board to avoid the stickiness from the banana while peeling and cutting. 
• You can add pepper powder if you like. I personally don't like that taste