Bringing it Back!

Upcoming: Press release to take place May 4th at 11am, at 2021 Ontario St. Located at the Low/Paul Martin house. All are welcome!

Vazhai Poo Pachadi - Banana Blossom In Spicy Curd

VAZHAI POO PACHADI 

 We brought a banana sapling from our native village and  planted it in a corner in our garden. It has grown into a beautiful and sturdy banana tree without the use of  chemical fertilizers or pesticides. 

The banana tree has gifted us with a huge bunch of healthy bananas which will be ready for harvest in a few weeks.

We were happy to cook the vazhai poo / banana blossom that came along as a 'complimentary gift'  on Mother Earth Day! 

 Beat the heat of a hot Summer day as you enjoy the cold Vazhai Poo Pachadi.

INGREDIENTS 

Chopped banana blossom florets - 2 cups 

Fresh grated coconut - 1/2 cup 

Green chillies - 2 

Finely grated fresh ginger - 1/4 tsp 

Thick Curds - 2 cups 

Salt - 1/4 tsp 

Coconut oil - 1 tsp 

Mustard seeds - 1 pinch
Curry leaves - a few

METHOD 

1. Remove the florets of the banana blossom hiding in between the bracts. 

2. Rub the tip of each floret gently and remove the stigma and the plasticky sepal. 

3. Chop the florets into small pieces and immediately immerse them in a bowl of sour butter milk. 

4. Squeeze out the chopped florets and cook them in just enough water and a pinch of salt till tender but not      mushy. Let it cool. 

5. Grind the coconut gratings and green chillies into a thick and coarse paste. 

6. Combine the coconut paste with the thick curds adding salt and grated ginger. 

7. Mix the cooked banana florets into the curd mixture.

8. Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. 

9. When the mustard seeds splutter add curry leaves and  pour the seasoning over the pachadi. 

10. Chill the Vazhai Poo Pachadi well before use.

Enjoy the chilled Vazhai Poo Pachadi as it is or along with your meal.

Urad Sweet Bonda / Deep Fried Sweet Vadas with Urad Dhal / Indian Zeppoles

Do you have some family recipes which you have almost forgotten about. Well, I had forgotten about these beautiful Sweet Urad vadas until my sister reminded about them recently. She had made these for Pongal festival for offering to god. These sweet vadas (or vadeyvu/vadaevu as we call it in our home) is a must in our family for all festivals and marriages. They are similar to Medhu vadas, but