Banana Stem Recipes/Bambe/ Bale Dhindu/Mangalorean

Once every year, Banana Stem dishes were on the menu for 3 consecutive days. It’s something we disliked immensely, but my Mum who was an expert on nutrition and home science used to harp about the benefits of Bale Dhindu ( In Kannada) or Banana Stem. Banana Stem could be called a superfood. It is rich in fibre that aids weight loss, relieves constipation and improves gut health. It is also rich in iron and vitamin B6 that is beneficial for managing hyperglycemia, improves the production of haemoglobin in the body, thus indirectly also contributing to reducing bad cholesterol. Banana stem have high potassium levels and its consumption can reduce blood pressure. Other than these, regular consumption of banana stem can help in detoxification of the blood, prevent UTI and can also reduce the risk of kindney stones.

For more information visit https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/banana-stems/

My Mum would soak some chopped banana stem overnight in a glass of water.  Next day she would strain and add some lime juice ( about ½ a small lime)  and drink the water on an empty stomach for 3 consecutive days to prevent urinary problems.  We were given various stir fries and salads into which the banana stem had been included and we had to eat it whether we liked it or not.  When I was doing my post-graduation in Chennai my Aunt introduced me to her version of it called bambe- chopped, steamed and served with curds like a Pachdi. I really loved it and enjoyed making it for my family whenever I made biriyani and pulav.  And I also made a variation of the recipes my Mum used to make. Like her, its something I do every year.

The Recipe For Banana Stem Stir Fry

The Ingredients For Banana Stem Stir Fry:

500 gms banana stem

1 tbsp coconut oil

½ tsp mustard

3 sprigs curry leaves

Salt to taste

Masala powder (optional)

The Method For Banana Stem Stir Fry:

Pictorial On How To Cut Banana Stem:

Banana Stem Recipes

Remove Outer Layers

Chopping

After Chopping

Soak in Salt Water

Wash the banana stem and remove the outer layers until the centre is reached.  While the outer layers are various hues of green, the inner most pith is a creamy white in colour.  Quickly chop it and put it into salt water to prevent discolouration. When ready to cook, strain the chopped banana stem completely.  Heat a non-stick pan and add 1 tbsp coconut oil.  Lower flame to medium and add the mustard followed by the curry leaves.  Stir fry a minute or until the mustard crackles.  Add the chopped banana stem and salt to taste along with the Masala Powder.  I like it plain, so I leave it out.  Stir fry until the water evaporates and serve hot with rice and dhal or rice and sambhar.

Photo Gallery Of Banana Stem Recipes:

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Other Options:

1. Add blanched spinach to the mustard and curry leaves when adding the banana stem.
2. Add ½ chopped onion to the mustard and curry leaves and stir fry till glazed before adding the banana stem
3. Add a small piece of jaggery to the stir fry after cooking for a sweet flavour
4. Cool the stir fry and add ½ a cup to one cup home made curds. Adjust salt to taste and serve with Biriyani or any Pulav. This is my favourite way of making it and I can eat a whole bowl of it myself.
5. Read more about the Banana Stem here-

https://dicencook.com/how-to-clean-and-cut-banana-stem/#recipe

Some Vegetarian Recipes For You To Try:

Ten Minute Cauliflower Potato Cheesy Vegetable Bake / Vegetarian Bake

Broccoli Almonds Stir Fry / Vegetarian Recipe

Green Apple Curry / Vegetarian Recipe

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