Sauté de fleur de bananier sri-lankais (kesel muwa)

Ingrédients

• Ingredients mentioned below use standard measuring cups and spoons.
• 2-3 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder(1/2 teaspoon for soaking the chopped banana flower/ 1/2 a teaspoon used for tempering).
• 4 tablespoons of Oil(extra 2 tablespoons of oil needed later in the cooking)
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• 1 Onion, sliced fine
• 1/2 tbsp red chilli Powder
• 1/2 tsp red Chilli flecks
• 1 tbsp Maldive Fish (optional)
• 1 green chillies sliced
• 1 banana flower cleaned and chopped as per instructions above
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind juice(not paste which is much more concentrated and needs to be diluted with water)
• Salt to Taste

Préparation

1. 1

   The first step of making the banana flower...: The first step of making the banana flower recipe is, cleaning and chopping it for the banana flower recipe.

2. 2

   Wash the banana flower.

3. 3

   Remove the darker outer layers of the banana...: Remove the darker outer layers of the banana flower, including the bottom part which later turns into bananas.

4. 4

   You can actually add these flowers to the...: You can actually add these flowers to the curry by removing the stigma within it but I usually discard them.

5. 5

   A little too much work considering how small...: A little too much work considering how small and how time-consuming it is.

6. 6

   Continue to remove the layers.

7. 7

   Until you come across the part which doesn’t...: Until you come across the part which doesn’t have flowers attached to it.

8. 8

   As you chop the flower, you’ll notice a...: As you chop the flower, you’ll notice a sap sticking to your hands so make sure to rub some oil before you start chopping the banana flower.

9. 9

   Cut off the stem(bottom)and chop the flower into...: Cut off the stem(bottom)and chop the flower into smaller, thinner strips.

10. 10

    Have a bowl ready with water, salt, and...: Have a bowl ready with water, salt, and turmeric(1/2 tsp)added to it.

11. 11

    Place the washed and cleaned(as directed above)on a...: Place the washed and cleaned(as directed above)on a chopping board.

12. 12

    Cut the top and bottom parts of the...: Cut the top and bottom parts of the banana flower. cut them into thin rounds, stack them and then chop them into small thinner pieces.

13. 13

    Please be careful as you chop them as...: Please be careful as you chop them as your fingers will probably be a little too close to the sharp knife as you try to slice them thin.

14. 14

    As you chop, add the banana flower pieces...: As you chop, add the banana flower pieces immediately into the turmeric water to avoid discolouration.

15. 15

    Soak for 5 minutes.

16. 16

    Once you’ve chopped the blossom,

17. 17

    Use a large strainer to strain the chopped...: Use a large strainer to strain the chopped flower from the water.

18. 18

    Squeeze any excess water and transfer to a...: Squeeze any excess water and transfer to a bowl.

19. 19

    You might find, getting all the tiny pieces...: You might find, getting all the tiny pieces out of your hand a bit tricky but with a little patience, you can do it.

20. 20

    Have all the ingredients needed ready.

21. 21

    Place a pan over medium heat.

22. 22

    Pour in oil(2 tbs), then temper curry leaves(5-6),...: Pour in oil(2 tbs), then temper curry leaves(5-6), and onion(1)until they turn golden in colour.

23. 23

    Reduce heat to low add chilli powder(1/2tsp), turmeric(1/2...: Reduce heat to low add chilli powder(1/2tsp), turmeric(1/2 tsp), chilli flecks(1/2 tsp), green chillie(1), and cook for 3 minutes.

24. 24

    Turn heat to low and add the banana...: Turn heat to low and add the banana flowers to the pan.

25. 25

    Combine and cook for 5 minutes or until...: Combine and cook for 5 minutes or until it’s cooked.

26. 26

    Add 2 tablespoons of oil only if needed...: Add 2 tablespoons of oil only if needed and further cook the chopped banana blossom.

27. 27

    Pour in the tamarind(1 tbs) and cook for...: Pour in the tamarind(1 tbs) and cook for a few minutes(3-5 minutes).

28. 28

    Taste and season with salt if necessary.

29. 29

    Serve warm with your favourite rice and curry menu.