Ethakka Tholi Thoran / Raw Banana Peel Stir Fry With Coconut

One of the most utilized plant is banana. If you have a banana tree at home, you would know how each part of it is never neglected or disgarded. Banana leaf is used to serve, banana flower can be used in making cutlets or stir fry, stem gets edible in the form of another yummy stir fry, banana itself can be either eaten raw or cooked...the most favorite being banana chips and even the banana peel can turn into a very delicious stir fry to be paired with rice. One banana tree and its multiple uses. Isn't it amazing?

Remember, couple of weeks ago I had posted the recipe for banana chips. And how I had asked to save the banana peel to make a stir fry. A bit delayed though, but still I made it a point to share the recipe for it here before Onam. If you happen to make the banana chips for onam sadya, then do not throw away the banana peel, they indeed make a very delicious thoran, that can be served for your sadya too. So here you go, the recipe for it is here.

Ingredients

1. Skin of 2 raw Plantain / Ethakka, cleaned
2. 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds
3. 5-6 shallots sliced
4. 2 dry red chillies
5. 1 sprig of curry leaves
6. 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
7. 1/2 tsp of jeera/cumin seeds
8. 2 green chillies
9. 3/4 cup of grated coconut
10. Salt to taste
11. 2 tbsp of oil, preferably coconut oil

Method

• Slice the plantain peel into small and thin pieces. Keep it aside in a bowl, filled with water.
• In a pan, take the oil. Add the mustard seeds and wait for it to pop.
• Add the sliced shallots, red chillies and curry leaves and saute it. Add half of turmeric powder and stir it. Now, squeeze out water from the banana peel and add it. Sprinkle some salt and mix it all well. Turn down the heat to medium low. 
• Let it cook for about 10 minutes, while you stir it every couple of minutes, to avoid sticking or burning.
• Meanwhile, take the grated coconut, remaining turmeric powder, green chillies and cumin seeds in a blender jar. Blend it or pulse it just to crush everything together.
• Add it to the banana peel mixture and mix it well. Cover and cook it for 2-3 minutes. Then stir it again and cook it open for another minute.
• Serve it hot with some rice and moru curry.

Tips

1. Chopping the banana peel thin and into small piece helps it to cook faster.
2. Placing the chopped banana peel in the water, prevents it from turning dark in colour.