I shall post banana flower (Vazhaipoo) recipes in the coming days. It is important to know how to clean the banana flowers first.
Banana Flower is conical in shape. Remove the outer petals first. Take out the bunch of florets which is below the outer petal and keep it in a tray. Try to keep the florets as a bunch and do not try to separate individual floret. Remove the next petal. You will see the next bunch of florets. Take out the bunch of florets and keep in the tray. Continue this process till all the florets are removed.
As you go through peeling the petals, you will reach a stage when you will not see a petal, Instead you will see a creamy colored conic shaped tender piece; you can use it as it is.
Now, hold one bunch of florets and rub it in the other hand or on a plate. Each floret will open out. You can discard the stamen and the petal. Likewise, remove the stamen and petal from all the other bunches.
Take water in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp of beaten curd and mix well. Keep aside.
Now, chop the florets finely. If they are in bunches, chopping them would be easy. Chop the tender cone piece vertically into four pieces and chop them finely. Immerse it in the curd-water mix. This will prevent discoloration of the floret pieces.
This chopping can be done in a food processor as well (but not in a mixer grinder).
It is important that immersing in curd-water mix should be done immediately to prevent it from turning black.
Before use, take them out from the curd-water mix, drain the water and use.
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