Banana Stem Raita

Ingredients:

• Banana stem- 4-6 inches long
• Yogurt- 1/2 to 3/4 cup
• Salt- to taste
• Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

For Tempering:

• Oil- 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Fenugreek seeds- 1/2 tsp (Methi)
• Dry red chilies- 4 broken into pieces
• Asafoetida- 1/4 tsp

Method:

1. The banana stem needs to be carefully cut into rounds and then chopped into pieces. Please watch the video for the exact procedure.
2. You can use a knife if comfortable. Make sure to keep the pieces in water as they tend to turn brown very fast.
3. Change the water and cook for 7-12 minutes. Cut one piece with a knife to see if it is cooked. Some take longer time while others cook fast.
4. Keep the remaining water as it is and let it cool.
5. Do not worry if the pieces turn out to be in dark brown color. It is perfectly normal. Add a little salt while cooking.
6. Once the cooked pieces have cooled, add salt and turmeric powder. 
7. Beat yogurt into a smooth mixture and add to it.
8. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dry red chilies and asafoetida. As the mustard splatters turn off the heat and add this tempering to the yogurt mixture.
9. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Serve with rice or roti. 
10. It is a very healthy and tasty dish.