Kaya mezhukkupiratti: A meaty, filling stir-fry with unripe banana

Banana chips made from the unripe fruit are among the most popular snacks in Kerala. But, several delicious dishes such as ‘thoran’ ‘mezhukkupuratti’ and more also could be prepared from them. A combination of banana and red cow peas too is a popular, wholesome dish. Here, we can try out a simple recipe of ‘mezhukkupuratti’, which has crushed shallots as another main ingredient.

Ingredients
One to one-and-a-half cups sliced unripe plantain.
¼ cup of water
Adequate salt
Adequate curry leaves
¼ teaspoon yellow turmeric powder
1 teaspoon crushed red chillies
10 – 15 crushed shallots
2 tablespoons coconut oil

Preparation
Boil the sliced banana with curry leaves, yellow turmeric powder and salt in a pressure cooked till one or two whistles
(The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the banana pieces)
Crush shallots
If using a mixer, press the ‘pulse’ button only once
(Take care to prevent the shallots from being ground)
Heat oil in a pan and add curry leaves and the crushed shallots
Sauté the shallots
Add the crushed red chillies and stir well
Add salt to taste
Transfer the boiled banana from the pressure cooker to the pan and cook on low flame till it becomes crispy
Serve with a plate of rice or chapathi