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Thor Bhaja

Thor Bhaja (Banana Stem Fry)

By Mita Mondal
Thor bhaja is my commonly prepared dish, where thinly sliced banana stems are fried with mustard oil and a handful of basic spices till they are just tender inside with slightly crispedges.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams Banana Stem (finely thin cut and cleaned)
  • 2 pieces Green Chili
  • 2 pieces Dry Red Chili
  • 1/2 tablespoon Mustard Seed
  • 1 tablespoon Turmeric
  • 2 tablespoon Mustard Oil
  • Salt to Taste

Instructions
 

  • Add 1 and ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp turmeric to the banana stem. Mix well with your hand. It will soften the banana stem and drain out the water from the stem. (Pro tip: I squeeze hard while mixing. The more water released now, the crispier the fry turns out later.)
  • Cover the mixture and put it aside for 10-15 minutes. Drain out excess water by using your hand.
  • Switch your gas stove on and put a pan on it.
  • Pour oil into it.
  • After oil is heated, add dry red chilies and mustard seeds. You can also use black cumin in place of mustard seeds.
  • After the seeds start spluttering, add marinated banana stems to the pan.
  • Stir fry the banana stems very well.
  • Reduce the flame and put a lid over the pan. Let it cook for 10 minutes. (Pro tip: Do not rush here because rushing this step will leave the stem raw in the middle.)
  • Open the lid and stir. Cover it once again for 5 minutes.
  • Add two green chilies and salt up to taste.
  • Sauté it until the water dries. (Pro tip: Keep a close watch. Banana stem catches and browns fast once the water dries.)
  • Switch off the gas and pour the fried banana stem on a plate. Garnish it with green and red chilies. Serve it hot along with steamed rice, roti or paratha.

Video

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Notes

I choose fresh and tender banana stem to make this dish. Typically, banana stems that are not bruised or discolored will offer the best results.
Ensure that you clean the banana stem nicely before slicing it.
Make sure you sauté the sliced banana stem properly. This will help maintain the right texture and its desired flavor.
You can enhance the taste and flavor of the dish by adding different spices, such as a pinch of flavorful asafetida or hing.
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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