Banana blossom curry, also known as "Sayur Jantung Pisang" in Indonesian cuisine, is a delightful dish that showcases the unique flavor and texture of banana blossoms. This vegan-friendly recipe is packed with nutrients and bursting with aromatic spices. Let's dive into how to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 large banana blossom
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably coconut or vegetable oil)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green chilies, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Handful of curry leaves
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the banana blossom by removing the tough outer layers until you reach the tender, pale yellow inner part. Discard any tough or stringy parts. Chop the blossom finely and soak it in water with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and chili powder. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
- Drain the soaked banana blossom and add it to the skillet. Mix well to coat the blossom with the spices.
- Pour in coconut milk and season with salt. Add curry leaves and chopped tomato. Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth or water to achieve desired consistency. Bring the curry to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the banana blossom is tender and flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips:
- Choose a banana blossom that is firm and tightly packed. Avoid blossoms that are brown or have a strong odor.
- Soaking the chopped banana blossom in water with lemon juice helps to remove bitterness and discoloration.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preference for spiciness.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the curry.
Variations:
- For a creamier texture, substitute coconut milk with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or fried shallots for extra flavor and crunch.
