Banana flower thoran

INGREDIENTS :

1. Banana flower - 1
2. Whole moong dal - 1 small cup
3. Coconut ( grated) - 1/2 cup
4. Garlic - 3 to 4 cloves
5. Curry leaves - 1 sprig
6. Cumin seeds (Jeera) - 1 tsp
7. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
8. Chilli powder - 1/2 to 1 tsp ( according to taste)
9. Rai seeds - 1 tsp
10. Dried red chillies - 1 to 2
11. Salt to taste.
12. Oil - 1 tbsp

METHOD :

1. Keep aside a medium sized bowl filled with water & juice of half a lemon.
2. Remove 3 to 4 tough outer layers of the banana flower. Beneath every layer, lies an orderly row of yellow- tipped fronds which are edible.
3. Using a grater, grate the banana flower using the finer side uptill the stem.
4. Place this directly in the bowl with water & lemon juice ( to avoid the unappetizing color)
5. Pressure cook the whole moong dal with a little salt till cooked.
6. Using a pestle & mortar, coarsely grind together coconut, garlic, jeera, curry leaves, turmeric and chilli powder.
7. In a pan, heat oil & let rai seeds splutter. Next add the red chillies and curry leaves & set aside.
8. Drain the grated banana flower and mix with the ground mixture. Let cook for 4-5 minutes.
9. Lastly add the rai seeds/ chillies/ curry leaves mixture.