Vazha pindi / banana stem thoran

The xylem of the banana plant is a delicacy. Cleaning it can seem a chore. But according to Ayurveda, pindi / banana stem helps clean the digestive tract. 

Below you will find how the pindi can be cleaned and how to make a traditional 'thoran' with it.

Pindi / banana stem - 1, the length of your forearm 

Moong dal / Cheru parippu / pasi parippu - 1/2 cup

Salt

Turmeric powder - 1+1 tsp

Coconut grated - 1 cup

Green chilli - 3

Jeera - 1 tsp

Coconut oil - 3 tbsp

Mustard - 1 tsp

Red chilli - 2 broken into pieces

Curry leaf -  a sprig

( opt ) shallots - 3 

Start by soaking the moong dal in water.

Now let us attack the banana stem!

See the thread when you cut the stem? We have to remove as much of it as possible.

Start cutting it into rounds.

Then using your finger make circles on the stem.

Now the strings will start coming off.

When you have 2 - 3 rounds start dicing.

Store until use in water. Add 1 tsp turmeric powder to this water.

By the time the pindi is diced, the dal would have soaked enough.

Take a thick bottomed vessel and start cooking the dal in plenty of water.

When it is nearly done, strain the pindi and add to the dal. Add salt and turmeric powder. Mix well.

Cook for 5 minutes and check to know if the pindi is cooked.

How? Take some on the spatula.

Press down on the pindi. It must give way easily. 

Turn off flame.

Now we make the thoran.

Heat oil in a large vessel / kadai.

Splutter the mustard. Then add the red chilli and curry leaf.

Add the cooked pindi and dal. If there is any water in the cooked pindi, don't worry. It will get evaporated.

Grind the coconut with green chillies and jeera without adding any water. 

Optional - You can also grind 3 shallots / madras onions with the coconut, green chilli and jeera. 

I personally would advice against it.

Once all the water has evaporated from the pindi mixture, tip in the ground paste.

Mix well and cook on high flame, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Your pindi thoran is ready to be served!