How to Cook Steamed Bananas - Nendhra Pazham Puzhungiyathu: Kerala's Traditional Recipe

Ingredients:

Method:

Preparation:

• Wash and cut the Nendhra Bananas into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the size.
• Leave the skin on.
• Alternatively, keep the bananas whole and make 2-3 small slits over the skin.

Cooking Steamed Bananas - Nendhra Pazham Puzhungiyathu

In a Steamer:

• Fill the steamer/pressure cooker with 1–2 cups of water and allow it to boil.
• Place the cut banana pieces in a steamer basket/tray.
• Cover the lid of the steamer and steam the bananas on high flame for 5 minutes.
• Lower the flame and cook for another 5–8 minutes, until the bananas turn soft.
• The skin will turn black and start to split at places.
• Remove the steamed bananas from the steamer and allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Peel and serve, hot or cold.

In a Pressure Cooker:

• Fill the pressure cooker with 1–2 cups of water and allow it to boil.
• Place the grid.
• Place the cut banana pieces in a bowl or plate and place it over the grid.
• Cover the lid of the pressure cooker (no need to use the pressure regulator/vent weight).
• Steam the bananas on high flame for 5 minutes.
• Lower the flame and cook for another 5–8 minutes, until the bananas turn soft.
• The skin will turn black and start to split at places.
• Remove the steamed bananas from the steamer and allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Peel and serve, hot or cold.

In a Microwave (Easiest & Quickest Method):

• Cut the bananas into 2–3 pieces and make very small slits over the skin.
• Place the bananas in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid.
• Place a small microwave-safe coffee mug (filled halfway) with water over the lid.
• Microwave on high power for 2–3 minutes, depending on the size of the banana.
• The skin will turn black and start to split at places.
• Remove the steamed bananas from the steamer and allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Peel and serve, hot or cold.

Notes:

• While cooking bananas in a microwave, make small slits over the skin to ensure even cooking.
• Open-cooked bananas tend to become dry once cooked.
• Cooking bananas in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a lid retains moisture.
• Adding water in a coffee mug over the lid helps retain the moistness in steamed bananas.
• Microwaved Steamed bananas taste quite similar to those cooked in a steamer.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a drizzle of sugar/jaggery syrup.
• Cook the sugar/jaggery syrup with a few pods of cardamom/cloves.
• Serve steamed bananas with freshly grated coconut.
• Serve with a few spoons of sugar.
• Serve with a drizzle of melted ghee.

As Baby Food:

• Suitable for babies 6 months and above.
• Remove the black seeds in the centre before feeding.
• Add a few teaspoons of ghee to the steamed bananas.
• Add sugar/jaggery syrup (optional).
• Mash finely without lumps before feeding to babies.
• Steamed Nendhra Bananas/Pisang Tanduk are nutritious and easily digestible.

Authentic Kerala Cuisine: Steamed Nendhra Bananas Demystified

    In conclusion, Nendhra Pazham Puzhungiyathu offers a delightful glimpse into Kerala's rich culinary heritage. This traditional dish of steamed bananas not only showcases the simplicity and health benefits of Kerala cuisine but also promises a burst of authentic flavours. Whether enjoyed as a nutritious snack or a satisfying side dish, mastering this recipe brings the essence of Kerala right to your kitchen. Explore the magic of steamed bananas and savour a taste that's as wholesome as it is cultural.