Mochar Torkari/Banana Flower Fry

Banana Flower, which is known as Mocha in my mother tongue(Bengali).Along with dietary fibers, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, banana flowers are also rich in vitamin E and flavonoids. They are part of many cuisines in the world. They also possess immense medicinal value.

It is all time favorite for me but due to my busy schedule,i am not able to cook it frequently but always prefer to cook in Saturdays as 'NO OFFICE'...It will take a little more of your time to cut off the anther from white flower but i bet,you will forget all the hard work when you will eat it and will definitely remember your mom's cooking...That is always the best part of cooking an authentic dish from Bengal.

Mochar Torkari/Banana Flower Fry

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Banana Flower (Mocha): 1 medium size

Potato: 2 medium sizes

Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon

Chili Powder:1 teaspoon

Bay Leaf:1 piece

Onion seeds/Kalo jeera:1/2 teaspoon

Green Chilli: 2-3(as per taste)

Garam Masala Powder: ½ teaspoon

 Ghee: 1 teaspoon

 Sugar: ½ teaspoon

Mustard oil/Sunflower oil : 1 tablespoon

Preparation:

• Take out each flower from the inflorescence and cut off the anther from it.
• Chop the flowers very finely
• Put all the chopped flowers in a deep pan and pour in water till it is fully under water
• Get it to boil in pressure cooker for 10-15 mins and drain of the water, keep the chopped flowers aside.
• Heat the oil in a wok and fry the potatoes till tender. Take out the potatoes and keep separately.
• To the left over oil add onion seeds,Bay Leaf,Green Chilly fry for 30 seconds or till the aroma arises.
• Throw in the boiled flowers and mix the spices well with it.
• Now add Turmeric powder and chilli powder and salt.
• Add the potatoes and pour in some water for the vegetables to get cooked constantly.
• Simmer the flame and stir it often so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Add extra water if it is not cooked properly.
• Once it is boiled properly add sugar and stir for more one minute.
• Just before taking it out of the flame sprinkle garam masala powder and ghee; mix well.
  
• Serve with plain white Rice.

N.B:Apply mustard oil in hand while Chopping the flowers as black iron substance relased by banana Flower will not stick to your finger but remember applying oil can make your hand bit slippery.So, be careful from sharp knives or boti while chopping.