Raw Banana Bharta (Mashed Raw Banana Curry)

         You must have had baingan bharta (mashed eggplant), which is a very popular dish on a Punjabi platter. How about trying out Raw Banana Bharta? It is equally yummy and tastes awesome. It goes very well with chapatti in particular. However, it can be served as a side dish with rice too. 

• 3-4 raw bananas, boiled whole
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• pinch of asafoetida
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp. red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1 tsp. lime juice 
• 2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped

          Discard the skin from the boiled banana and mash it. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and temper with cumin seeds. 

          Sauté for a few seconds and add the asafoetida, followed by the onion, ginger and garlic. Stir fry till light brown. 

          Now add the mashed raw banana and all the dry spices. Mix everything well and stir fry on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes.

          When done, add the lime juice and coriander leaves. Give it a stir and serve as a side dish with either rice or chapattis.