VAZHAITHANDU KOOTU/ PLANTAIN STEM KOOTU

Rich in  fiber, helps  in  maintaining the digestive system , helps to avoid kidney stones, avoids constipation, lowers Cholesterol and Blood sugar, here is a Healthy Indian recipe 

INGREDIENTS:

Plantain stem - 1 cup (Chopped)
Moong dhal - 1/4 cup
Turmeric - a pinch
Curd - 2 tsp
Salt

For grinding
Coconut - 3 tsp
Broken channa dhal - 2 tsp
Green chilly - 1
Cumin - 1/4 tsp

For Seasoning
Mustard - 1/4 tsp
Urad dhal - 1/4 tsp
Cumin - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - 1 leaflet
Coriander leaves - 1/2 handful
Oil - 2 tsp 

METHOD:
1. Remove the outer covering of the plantain stem. Cut into round slices, remove the fiber with fingers then and there. 
2. Chop into small cubes and soak in water. If you feel to remove the left over fiber, use a fork and stir the cubes soaked in water for 2 to 3 minutes. The left over thread like fiber will stick to the fork.
3. In a pressure cooker, add moong dhal, plantain stem, turmeric powder, salt, add little water and pressure cook up to 4 whistles on high flame.
4. In a mixer, add the ingredients given for grinding and make a fine paste.
5.Heat oil in a pan, add mustard, cumin, after mustard splutters add urad dhal and fry till golden brown. Add curry leaves.
6.Transfer the contents of the pressure cooker to the pan, add the paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add chopped coriander leaves, mix well and switch off the flame.
7. Add curd and mix well. 
8. Tasty & Healthy Plantain stem kootu is ready.

Note:

• Using Coconut is optional. 
• Instead of green chilly, a teaspoon of sambar powder can be used or 2 red chillies can be used along with seasoning instead of grinding.