Banana Stem Raita-A summer cooler

Banana Stem raita is an ideal summer raita.This aids in cooling the body and with weight loss because of the fibre content.Its such a simple raita to make with so many benefits.

Ingredients
Banana Stem-1

Thin buttermilk water
Curd-1 cup
Salt to taste

To temper

Oil-1 tsp

Mustard-1/4 tsp
Urad dal-optional

Asafoetida-a pinch

Red Chillies-2

Coriander leaves-a sprig

Method: Use the inner pith of the stem.Discard the fibre.Cut this into small bits.Put this in a vessel with thin buttermilk water and salt.(You can add one or two spoons of curd to water,to make a thin buttermilk).This is done to prevent discoloration.I cooked this in a cooker.Cool this mixture.Take the plantain stem and add to yogurt.To this mixture splutter the ingredients to be tempered.Add salt to taste.I ran out of coriander leaves.You can certainly use it as a garnish.I just can't do with out this raita in the scorching summer sun of Chennai.Go ahead indulge.

This is going to Krithi's Kitchen who is guest hosting Healing Foods-Banana started by Siri of Cooking with Siri

Plantain pith and Coconut medley

Vazhai Thandu Mor Kootu is on of the yummy ways to eat this healthy pith.The fibre reserves in this is ideal for weight loss.   

Ingredients

Banana Stem-2 cups

Buttermilk-1 cup

Salt to taste

For grinding

Coconut-1/4 cup                 

Green chili-1

Cumin seeds-1tsp

Aruvamane

For tempering

Coconut oil-1tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2tsp

Curry leaves-1 sprig

Method-
Cut the outer covers of the stem and dice the inner core into bits.You can rub your hands with oil to prevent stickiness and stain.While dicing the bits remove the fibre from the pith.The aruvamane(vegetable knife) is the best tool for this.  I have cut them up into roundels because I fancied it that way!Take curd and water churn to make watery buttermilk.Add the pith pieces and salt.Pressure cook this.In a mixer add the ingredients to be ground.Add this to the buttermilk.Now comes the tricky part.You have to careful while adding curd into this mixture.You have to reduce the flame and stir in the curd in high heat the curd will break.To temper the ingredients you can use coconut oil to give it a nice flavour.Add in the tempered ingredients and enjoy.