VAZHACHUNDU THORAN

Ingredients

Vaazhachundu/ banana flower - 1
Vanpayar / red dal (cooked) - 1 cup
Shallots (small onion) - 5-6 (optional)
Ginger - one small piece chopped
Garlic - 4 pods 

Green chilly - 2

Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Coconut scraped - 1/2 cup
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tea spoon
Salt
Coconut oil - 1 1/2 table spoon
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tea spoon
Preparation

Discard 3-4 outer petals of the banana flower. Cut the flower into very small pieces directly into a bowl of water. Wash it 3-4 times and add 1 tea spoon of oil. Stir with your index finger in one direction for 15- 20 seconds The black threads along with some pieces will stick to the finger. Discard that. Repeat 3-4 times

Cut the shallots and green chillies
In a pan heat oil. Splutter the mustard seeds Add the shallots, chilly and curry leaves Saute for 1 minute.Also add ginger and garlic,when they're done add turmeric powder and salt, stir and add the cut banana flower. Stir well, close and allow to cook on a low flame ( add a little water if needed) When it is almost cooked  add the coconut and red dal,cover with the flower pieces. Close with a lid and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.  remove the lid, stir well and keep on very low flame for some more time.Serve best with rice.