Today’s recipe is a slightly different version of vaalakkai varuval. I like ash plantains so I enjoy the different ways it is cooked, however slight the difference might be.

Vaalakkai Varuval/ Ash plantain fry version 2

Time taken: 30 mins

Serves 3

Ingredients:

• Ash plantain – 2
• Dried red chillies – 1 or 2, chopped
• Shallots – 4 or 5 , chopped
• Garlic – 2 or 3, chopped
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig
• Fennel seeds – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped coriander – ½ or 1 tsp
• Low fat oil – 1 tbsp

Method:

1. Boil ash plantain with skin. Remove peel and chop the boiled unripe fruit up.
2. Add some salt and turmeric powder to the ash plantain pieces and keep aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the fennel, chopped dried red chillies, shallots and garlic for a few mins, until the aroma of the fried onions and garlic comes out.
4. Add the marinated, chopped pieces of ash plantain and curry leaves and cook for about 10 mins, until sufficiently cooked.
5. Garnish with chopped coriander or curry leaves.
6. Serve with rice.

Recipe source: Raji Thillainathan.