Vazhaithandu Stir-Fry: Healthy South Indian Plantain Stem Recipe

39 minutes

831 reads

4 from 3 votes

About Vazhaithandu Stir-Fry: Healthy South Indian Plantain Stem Recipe

Discover the delicious and nutritious world of Vazhaithandu (plantain stem) with this flavorful Chettinad-inspired stir-fry! My culinary journey with this unique vegetable began with its impressive health benefits – a powerhouse of fiber aiding digestion and weight management. This recipe is a testament to its surprisingly subtle yet captivating taste.
I've perfected this recipe to bring you a simple yet satisfying South Indian lunch option. The creamy coconut and tangy yogurt complement the plantain stem beautifully, creating a balanced and wholesome dish.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore new, healthy ingredients and add a unique twist to their cooking repertoire. Get ready to be amazed by the versatility of plantain stem!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook29 minutes
Total39 minutes
Calories28 kcal
Serves6
Served AsLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Plantain Stem Preparation

  • 2 cup Plantain Stem chopped into 1-inch pieces; soak in buttermilk for 30 minutes to prevent discoloration
  • 1 cup Buttermilk to soak the plantain stem

Aromatics & Spices

Coconut & Dairy

Other Ingredients

  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 3 tbsp Oil vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 cup Water for pressure cooking and adjusting consistency
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Plantain Stem

  • Peel and chop the plantain stem into 1-inch pieces. Soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

Grind the Coconut Paste

  • Grind the grated coconut and cumin seeds together into a smooth paste, adding a little water as needed.

Pressure Cook the Plantain Stem

  • Pressure cook the soaked plantain stem pieces with 1 cup of water for 3-4 whistles.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat oil in a pan or kadai. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Sauté until the seeds splutter.

Cook the Onions

  • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add Coconut Paste

  • Stir in the coconut paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.

Combine and Simmer

  • Add the pressure-cooked plantain stem, including the cooking liquid. Simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.

Finish with Yogurt

  • Stir in the yogurt, season with salt, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy has reached your desired consistency. Be careful not to let it burn.

Serve

  • Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Vazhaithandu Stir-Fry

  • Soaking is Key: Soaking the plantain stem in buttermilk is crucial to prevent discoloration and maintain its vibrant color.
  • Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Coconut Freshness Matters: Using fresh, grated coconut will give the best flavor.
  • Consistency Control: Add more water if you prefer a thinner gravy. Simmer longer to achieve a thicker consistency.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gSodium: 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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3 Comments

4 from 3 votes

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