Vazhaithandu Thayir Pachadi / Plantain stem Salad

In this busy life, Banana stem  has become a very rare veggie because of its tedious cleaning process. But if we try to spend few minutes in cleaning n chopping, lots of yummy nutritious dishes can be prepared. And to mention its Nutritious value, this is good source of dietary fiber and coz of its high fiber, it acts as a laxative and can ease constipation.
Like banana, banana stem is also very rich in Potassium and Vitamins. It helps to detoxify the body. Another major fact is that it helps to prevent kidney stones n supports weight loss.
I have heard from elders that very frequent intake of plantain stem will make our body weak, but once in a week this can definitely be in our diet plan right!!! This nutritious veggie can be included as juice, kootu, sambhar, or salad.....
This is a very simple pachadi, can be used as side dish and for me this is my breakfast sometimes :) I love the intake of salads for my breakfast.. Will post my salad recipes soon :)

Ingredients :

2 Cups, Banana stem, chopped like small sticks ( Can also be chopped finely )
1 Onion, finely chopped
2 Green chillies, finely chopped
1 1/2 Cups Curd
2 Tsp Oil
1/2 Tsp Mustard seeds
1 Tsp Urad dal
Few curry leaves
A pinch of Hing
Salt to taste

Method :

• Clean and chop the banana stem like small sticks. For cleaning the stem, read the notes below.
• Steam the chopped stem for 3 - 4 minutes. ( Do not add water )
• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, once it starts spluttering add the urad dal followed by hing and curry leaves.
• Add chopped onion and green chillies, fry them.
• Now add the steamed stem and mix well by adding salt.
• Remove from flame and cool it.
• Meanwhile, beat the curd well.
• Add the plantain mixture to the curd and mix well.
• Serve it with rice.

Notes :

Remove the outer stem completely. Wash and slice the stem. You will notice lots of lengthy fibres, remove them.
Then chop the slices and add it to the salt water to avoid discoloring.