Banana -Almond Halwa.

Banana -Almond Halwa is a sweet dish and it is one of the rich and tasty halva. Ripe bananas, jaggery and almonds are used here.

We had some (around 8 to 10 ) ripe bananas and I though of preparing halva with those ripe bananas. ( My Sister Sujatha"s House from ooru/Udupi). Udupi Banana Hava is very famous and it is such a delicious halva one can fall love with that halva. Nendra banana is used to prepare that special Halva.
Here I have used Yalakki banana and are very tasty once they are ripen.

Let us see the recipe Now :
Things Needed:
Banana : 6 to 8
Almond : 1 Cup
Jaggery : 3/4 Cup
Ghee : 1/2 Cup
Cardamom : 3 to 4 Pods

Method :
1. Remove banana skin and smash banana nicely. Keep it aside.
2. Powder cardamom and keep it aside.
3. Powder almonds and (with its skin) keep it aside.
4. Keep a pan on the fire and put smashed bananas. Add a spoon of ghee and mix it well.
5. Stir nicely and add jaggery. Keep on stirring. (It should not burnt at the bottom of the pan).
6. It turns as full liquid. Add a spoon of ghee and mix it.
7. Slowly add ground almonds and cardamom powder. Keep stirring.
8. Add ghee in between and mix it well.
9. Stir in between till it leaves the sides. Mix it for another 5 minutes. Ghee starts to oozes (comes out).
10. It turns as one whole ball. Remove from the pan and put it on a ghee spread plate/tray.

11. Let it cool nicely.

12. Cut according to your wish and serve or store.

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Note :
Use of sugar instead of jaggery is optional. Use of ghee more/less is optional. Remember banana fruits must be well ripen to prepare halva or it taste bit savoury. Whole procedure should be on low flame. Do not add any water. I have used organic jaggery. If you are using normal shop bought jaggery, keep a pan add jaggery and very little water to it. It starts to melt. Let it melt completely. Sieve this jaggery content and then use it. (To remove the dust particles).
Time : 30 Minutes. 
Serves : 30 pieces can be made.(According to size and shape).

Nendra baale Fry

Nendra baale Fry is a sweet dish. It is one of the traditional dish which is served in festival or feast and big functions.

Nendra baale is one variety of banana and it is used in shallow frying or deep frying. We do prepare Banana Halva using this banana. Nenra baale podi (fried fritters) is also prepared and it is very tasty snack.

In Kerala especially these bananas are used more. Steamed banana is served in breakfast and it is one of the healthy dish, Nendra Baale chips are very tasty and slight sweet crunch chips are nice to eat.

Bananas are full of nutritious, vitamins and minerals. They are rich in fiber and carbohydrates. They help in curing anemia, gout, kidney disorders, urinary disorders. They also help in reducing blood pressure, protecting heart health and helps to improve the immune system. 

They are rich in fiber and a good remedy for people who suffer from constipation. They contain anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties. They are good for weight loss. They contain high calories. They are rich in vitamin C and vitamin B 6. They contain minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper. They are good sources of dietary fiber an protein. 

I have used Nendra baale (Nendra banana fruit), ghee and sugar. It is shallow fried on low flame. It can be served as sweet or desert at the parties and functions.It is easy to prepare and anyone can try. You should use Well Ripe Nendra Baale (Nendra banana) to get the good result.

Lets see the recipe. 

Things needed :
Nendra baale (Well ripe) :  ( A kind of big banana ) 1
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Sugar : 2 Tablespoons

Method :
1. Wash banana and cut into circle shape.
2. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Just spread a little ghee. Arrange the cut bananas in circle shape.

3. Sprinkle some ghee on the top. Cover and cook them till they turn brown.
4. Now turn the banana slices to other sides and spread little more ghee on the top.

5. Sprinkle sugar on the top and cook till they turn brown. Flip the slices again to the other side and put off the fire.

6. Remove from the pan and serve .

Note :
Remember that you should use well ripe banana to prepare this dish. Or it might give sour taste. Use of more or less ghee is optional. use of sugar (more/less) is also optional. Remember this dish contain ghee and sugar and intake of this should be less quantity. 
Time : 10 Minutes
Serves : 2.

Mangalooru Buns.

Mangalooru Buns are very famous and it is normally eaten for breakfast or snack.
Mangalore buns are prepared using maida, ripe banana, sugar and curd.

It is one of the signature dish of Mangalore and Udupi. ( Dakshina Kannada).
 We can enjoy these " Mangalore Buns " with coconut chutney or vegetable saagu.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Ingredients :

Maida/All purpose flour : 2 cup
Sugar :2 to 3 Tablespoons
Curd : 1 Tablespoon or little more
Cooking Soda : 1/4 Teaspoon.
Salt : little
Banana : 1 ( Medium size)
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Oil : to fry ( 1 cup )

Method :

1. Mix sugar, salt and curd nicely. Add Maida, ghee and and mix it well.

2. Kneed the dough well and it should be soft (not watery) like chapati dough consistency.

3.  Let the dough rest for at least 4 to 5 hours.
4. Add cooking soda to the dough and kneed it well. ( Add cooking soda at last, just before you fry buns).

5.  Divide the dough into small portions. Roll them as thick, small poori. Place them separately in a plate/tray.

6.. Now keep a pan on the fire and put oil . Heat the oil.
7.  Fry the rolled Buns one by one on medium flame.

6. Fry them on both sides. Remove from the oil and put it on a kitchen tissue.

6. Serve them with coconut chutney or vegetable saagu.

Note : 

The dough should be rested well at least 4 to 5 hours. If you plan to prepare buns for the next morning it is better to prepare the dough and let it rest.
Adding more curd makes the dough watery and you need to add more and more flour. So be careful while adding curd.
Use ripe banana to get better buns.
Add cooking soda at last, so that it does not take much oil.
Add little flour if the dough is very soft and watery.
Roll the buns little thicker than poori
Fry them on medium flame to get fluffy buns.
Time : Resting time 4 to 5 hours and preparation time 30 minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4

Raw Banana Dry Curry ( Palya )

Raw Banana/ Balekai is used as vegetable. So many dishes can be prepared with Raw Banana. Here is a simple and quick dish that is " Raw Banana Dry Curry ". Dry Curry can be eaten with plain rice, chapati, roti, poori. This curry is very easy to prepare and quick too. Having this curry with hot plain rice and a spoon of ghee makes you more hungry than ever. Try it out..and you will surely agree with my words.

I have used raw banana and very little spices.
Lets see the benefits of having "Banana" in our diet. 
Plantains/Bananas are nutritious fruit. They consist of fiber and energy source. They are good energy boosters. Good for people who suffer from constipation since it contain good amount of dietary fiber. bananas contain potassium and it helps to prevent high blood pressure. Raw bananas are good to treat ulcers. They help in decreasing acidity and reducing irritation.
As I said earlier, Raw banana dry curry is easy, simple and quick to prepare.
I have not used any onions or garlic here. (Optional).

Things Needed :Ingredients :

Raw Banana : 2
coconut ( grated ) : 1 Table spoon
Mustard : 1/2 Tea spoon
Urd Daal : 1/2 Tea spoon
Jeera :1/2 Teaspoon
Curry leaves : 5 to 6 leaves or more.
coriander leaves : 4 to 5 sticks
Oil.: 1 Table spoon
Salt : to taste.
Turmeric Powder : a pinch
Chilli powder : 1/2 Tea spoon
Water : 1/4 Cup

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer thick layer of outside of raw banana.

2. Cut the banana into small pieces and put it in a bowl of water, so that it does not turn black.

3. Wash and cut coriander and curry leaves.
4. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add a tablespoon of oil.
5. Add mustard seeds, urid dal and let the mustard splutter. Add jeera and curry leaves.

6. Add banana pieces (drain all the water) and fry for a minute.

7. Add 1/4 cup (or little less) water and turmeric powder. Cook on medium flame.
8. Let all the moisture disappear. Add chilly powder and salt. Stir it slowly.
9. Add cut coriander leaves.
10. Serve Raw banana dry curry with the main dish you have prepared.

Note : 

You can dry grind coconut , red chilly powder and mustard and add instead of chilly powder. it gives better taste. Or you can deep fry cut bananas and add chilly powder and salt. If it over cooks it loses its taste.( So while adding water be careful). Add little water and then cook on low flame. Stir in between). Adding any other spice is optional. Adding onions and garlic is also optional. Adding fresh coconut is optional. ( I have not added ).
Time : 15 minutes
Serves : 2 to 3.