Chundum Payarum / Banana blossom and Lentils

All parts of the banana plant/tree is used by Keralites .We eat the fruit ripe, cook with it when it is raw.We use the leaves for cooking as well as packing food in .We eat the stem in a preparation called vazhapindi thoran and we eat the banana blossoms too :) .It is very high in fibre content .

Ingredients:

1. Banana blossom - 1.
2. Green gram - 1/2 cup soaked and cooked.
3. Grated coconut 1/2 cup.
4. Green chilly - 4,
5. Shallot - 3,
6. Garlic- 1 clove.
7. Turmeric powder - a pinch.
8. Mustard seeds and oil for tempering.

Method:
Remove the outermost purple layers of the banana blossom until you reach the cream colored part.
Use gloves to cut it or it stains your hands.Don't cut and leave it for it turns black in color so get everything ready first and then cut it only when ready to cook.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds, when it splutters add the garlic, shallot and green chilly and curry leaves and sauté.
Add turmeric powder and mix well.
Add the chopped banana flowers and cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked green gram and grated coconut and mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.