Ennai Vazhakkai Kuzhambu / Raw Banana Gravy cooked in Oil


Ennai Vazhakkai Kuzhambu is a flavorful South Indian gravy made with raw banana (vazhakkai), slow-cooked in tamarind sauce with a generous amount of oil. This dish is rich, tangy, and mildly spiced, making it a perfect accompaniment for steamed rice.

I first tasted this kuzhambu at my friend’s house, and I was immediately drawn to its unique taste. The raw banana absorbs the flavors beautifully, and the addition of oil enhances the texture, giving it a rich and delicious taste.

Let’s see how to prepare this simple yet flavorful Ennai Vazhakkai Kuzhambu.

Ingredients :

  • Raw Banana - 1
  • Tamarind - lemon sized ball
  • Turmeric Powder - ¼ tsp.
  • Gingelly Oil - 2 tbsp.
  • Asafoetida - a pinch
  • Salt - as needed
  • Jaggery - ¼ tsp. (optional)

For the Masala:

  • Dhania Seeds - 4 tsp.
  • Toor Dhal - 1 tsp.
  • Ured Dhal - 1 tsp
  • Sesame seeds - 1 ½ tsp.
  • Red chillies - 4 to 5
  • Grated Coconut - ¼ tsp.
  • Gingelly Oil - 2 tsp.

For seasoning:

  • Gingilly Oil - 2 tsp.
  • Mustard seeds - 1 tsp.
  • Curry leaves - a handful

Method:

  • Peel and cut the plantain into two inch pieces and keep them immersed in water till you use.
  • Soak tamarind in hot water. Soaking in hot water makes the tamarind to become soft and sqeezing them is easy and there will be more juice.
  • Heat oil and add the ingredients given for the masala powder and fry them and grind to a fine powder when cooled.
  • In a pan, heat oil and add plantain pieces and fry them in medium flame till it becomes crisp.
  • Add turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt and tamarind juice and boil well.
  • After 5 minutes, add the spice powder and jaggery and mix well.
  • Keep in medium flame till it thickens and switch off the pan.
  • In another small pan, heat oil and add the seasonings and add them to the kuzhambu.
  • Serve hot with cooked rice.
  • Pair it with a simple poriyal for a comforting meal.


Comments