Vazhaipoo Kulambu: Authentic Chettinad Banana Flower Curry Recipe

50 minutes

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4.84 from 6 votes

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!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep30 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total50 minutes
Calories25 kcal
Serves6
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

Banana Flower Preparation

  • 1 Banana Flower clean thoroughly and remove all layers. soak in 1 cup buttermilk for 10 minutes.

Spices and Aromatics

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato roughly chopped
  • 4 clove Garlic

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
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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.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.84 from 6 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 570mgSugar: 1g

Madraasi Deepa
Madraasi Deepa

Full-time blogger, mother, food reviewer, product reviewer, and lover of exploring historical places and fashion.

Articles: 146
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4.84 from 6 votes

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