Vazhaipoo Kulambu: Authentic Chettinad Banana Flower Curry Recipe
50 minutes
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About Vazhaipoo Kulambu: Authentic Chettinad Banana Flower Curry Recipe
Dive into the vibrant flavors of South India with this authentic Vazhaipoo Kulambu, a Chettinad-style banana flower curry. Known as the "vegetarian fish curry" for its unique taste, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, packed with fiber and beneficial nutrients.This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a flavorful and aromatic curry. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, it's a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Tamil Nadu.Beyond its delightful taste, Vazhaipoo Kulambu offers impressive health benefits, supporting digestive health, aiding in blood sugar regulation, and assisting in combating anemia. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the nutritional value of this extraordinary dish!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
Banana Flower Preparation
- 1 Banana Flower clean thoroughly and remove all layers. soak in 1 cup buttermilk for 10 minutes.
Spices and Aromatics
- 1/4 tsp Mustard Seeds rai
- 1/4 tsp Urad Dal black, split
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds methi
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder dhania
- 3/4 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1.5 tsp Salt adjust to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 Gooseberry or 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 3 tbsp Coconut shredded
- 1 tbsp Oil coconut oil recommended
- 1 cup Buttermilk for soaking banana flower
- 1 cup Water for cooking and adjusting consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Banana Flower
- Clean the banana flower thoroughly, removing all layers and separating the florets. Soak the cleaned banana flower in buttermilk for 10 minutes. Drain the buttermilk and set aside.
Prepare the Coconut Paste
- Grind the shredded coconut and cumin seeds together with a little water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the oil in a kadai or pan. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and split black gram. Once they splutter, add curry leaves and sauté briefly.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become mushy.
Add Spices
- Add the chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent burning.
Combine and Simmer
- Stir in the prepared coconut paste and the tamarind pulp (or gooseberry). Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell is gone.
Add Banana Flower and Cook
- Add the pressure-cooked banana flower to the curry along with the reserved water. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the curry thickens and oil starts to separate. Adjust consistency with water if necessary.
Serve
- Serve hot with steamed rice or roti. Garnish with fresh curry leaves (optional).
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Vazhaipoo Kulambu:
- For a richer flavor, use coconut oil instead of other cooking oils.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your spice preference. You can also add green chilies for extra heat.
- Soaking the banana flower in buttermilk helps to remove its bitterness and adds a creamy texture.
- If you don't have gooseberries, you can substitute with a tablespoon of tamarind pulp for the required sourness.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 570mgSugar: 1g
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This is awesome! Can’t wait to cook it.
What a delightful recipe! Thanks for sharing.
I’m excited to make this at home!
I’m thrilled to try this recipe!
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.
looks healthy…