Unnithandu Upperi (Vaazha Pindi/Banana Stem Upperi)

Banana stem is a highly nutritious and edible food item, high in fiber. It’s locally known as unnithandu or vazhapindi, and is used to make several vegetarian dishes including Chutney and Thoran. Excess fibre is removed using a technique before it’s used for preparing dishes. In this post, I shall give you a simple recipe.

Ingredients for Unnithandu Upperi (Vaazha Pindi /Banana Stem Upperi):

1. Unnithandu (banana stem) – 1 big piece

2. Salt – For taste

    Turmeric powder – ¼ small spoon

3. Coconut oil – 3 big spoons

4. Mustard – ½ small spoon

    Red chillies – 2

    Black gram dal – 1 small spoon

5. Shallots – 5, chopped

    Curry leaves – 2 stem

6. Rice – 4 big spoons

    Pepper – 1 big spoon

How to prepare Unnithandu Upperi (Vaazha Pindi Upperi)?

1. Chop banana stem into small pieces and remove thread like structures.

2. Sprinkle a little water and cook it adding salt and turmeric powder.

3. Water content should be fully absorbed.

4. Heat oil and sputter mustard seeds.

5. Fry red chillies and urud dal and then add curry leaves and shallots.

6. Add cooked banana stem to it, mix well and take off from flame.

7. Dry fry rice and pepper in a pan and make a powder.

8. Add this powder to your upperi and mix well.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine April 1-14, 2015