Kitchen Tantra

Vazhaikkai Mandi:(Tamizhar Style)

Vazhaikkai Varuval. Vazhaikkai Masala. Plaintain in Spicy Hot Masala. Attikkai Masala. Kacha Kela ki Masal.

Ingredients:

Raw Plaintain 1 large
Onion 1 large - finely chopped
Ginger paste 1 spoon
Garlic paste 1 spoon
Tomato 1 large chopped
Salt
Turmeric powder 1/2 spoon
Chili powder 1 spoon
Mustard seeds 1/2 spoon
Sesame oil 1/4 cup

To be Toasted Each Separately and Powdered Togather:

Black peppercorns 1-2 spoons
Fennel seeds 1-2 spoons
Cumin seeds 1-2 spoons
Cinnamon sticks 2
Cloves 3.

Method:

Wash and pat dry the plantains. Trim their ends off. Now cut them into chunks. Leave these chunks in cold water. Maybe add salt/ lemon juice / turmeric 1 pinch to this water...just to avoid discoloration.

Microwave plantain or boil stove-top with limited water. Maybe till they are 1/2 done.

Meanwhile....toast the above said items and hand pond it if possible. Set aside.

In a large Iron wok,(preferably iron) heat oil. Add mustards and wait till they pop.

Now add onions and fry till they turn to golden color. Followed by ginger + garlic paste....fry real good, till its fragrant.

Add tomatoes too, wait till they become pulpy.

Add salt, turmeric, chili and powdered spices too. Continue stirring. Maybe till they are fragrant.

When oil shows up on sides, stir-in semi-cooked plantains. Cover and cook over emdium heat. Maybe till the plantain is done completely.

Adjust sesonning to your taste. Serve warm as a side dish for rice or chappathis.

Labels: Plantain