Vazhaipoo Paruppu usili (Banana Blossoms n Lentil Curry)

Of all the dishes my mom makes, Paruppu usili has been the most devoured dish by me and my sister. The ultimate combination of Vatta Kozhambu and  paruppu usili or More kozhambu and paruppu usili is legendary.
It is basically crumbles of steamed lentils added to cooked vegetables like Beans, Plantain Flower, cabbage,Snake Gourd etc. One of my friend also makes paruppu usili with Capsicum ( Bell Peppers) and it tastes heavenly.


Today i made Banana Flower paruppu usili and the whole effort was worth it.  The hard work for the dish is cutting the vegetable. 

First of all flowers have to be removed from the various layers of its red skin and care has to be taken to remove the Stamen (kalan) from every flower. This is the most tiring part of the whole procedure. I generally cut the vegetables and soak it overnight in water and some buttermilk to help retain the colour


So here goes the recipe----------


Ingredients:-

• Banana Flower
• Tuvar Dal ( 1 cup)
• Bengal Gram ( a handful)
• Red Chillis (2-3)
• Curry Leaves
• Grated Coconuts (optional)
• Pinch of Asafoetida

Method.:-

Cut the vegetable and soak it in water and little buttermilk at least for an hour. After some time wash the vegetable well, drain and keep it aside.

 Now grind the lentils ( tuvar and bengal gram dal ), red chillis and salt coarsely. 

Steam the lentils and the cut vegetables separately in a pressure pan.

Once steamed crumble the lentils.

In a wok add some oil (preferably coconut) splutter mustard and urad dal. Add the curry leaves and the crumbled lentils and saute till golden brown. Now add the cooked vegetables and let it fry along with the lentils for some time.

Finally add grated coconuts and the paruppu usili is ready to be served hot with rice !!!