Kache Kele ki Sabji (Raw Plantain/Banana Curry)

We all know Ripe Banana / Plantain known as Kela in Hindi, is perhaps most convenient fruit to consume, and is very versatile as it is added in cakes, muffins, pancakes, smoothies, etc. Similarly, Raw banana can be cooked in multiple forms, like as chips, as koftas (spicy balls dipped in gravy), as stew type curry. Here is a recipe of stew type curry, that need very few ingredients, is without onion & garlic and does not take too long to cook

Ingredients

3-4 Medium to large size bananas

1 teaspoonful cumin seeds

2 Dried Red Chilis broken into half

1-2 bay leaves

Salt as per taste

1 tablespoon mustard oil (or any oil)

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder

1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder (this is must, brings out the flavour)

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (can be skipped)

1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger

Method

How to peel and cut bananas

Grease your palm, slice each banana into 2-3 large pieces with peel. Using a knife slit across the peel of each piece and slowly remove the peel. Put all peeled pieces in a bowl of water with some salt in it. Once, peeling is complete, cut each piece into 4 long pieces.

Put a wok on cookstove. Add oil. Once, oil is hot, add bay leaves, cumin seeds and red chili. Once they splutter add ginger, stir fry for 30 seconds. Add banana pieces and all the dry spices except salt (Note: if you add salt now, pieces will turn soggy) . Sautee for 5-6 minutes, till oil separation and little browning of banana pieces starts, add salt and 2 cups of water, cover and let it simmer till banana are soft & cooked. Note: Usually curry is kept little watery as this is eaten with white rice.