Wishing a Very Good Day to All My Dear Friends! How are you all doing today?
Today, I have prepared a delightful dish using one of the most beloved ingredients in traditional Sri Lankan cooking—banana blossoms, known locally as kesel mal. However, this time, we’re giving it a new twist! Inspired by the flavors of traditional seeni sambol (sweet and spicy onion relish), I’ve prepared it with a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, creating a truly flavorful version. This method brings an entirely new taste profile to the banana blossom, transforming it into a unique and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or bread, thanks to the subtle touch of aromatic spices. And of course, we can’t forget its nutritional value—it’s both tasty and wholesome!
So, let’s take a look at how to prepare this step-by-step.
Materials Used.
1 medium-sized banana flower.
Coconut oil 80ml.
Salt to taste.
3 Teaspoon of Tomato sauce.
1 Teaspoon of turmeric powder.
1 Teaspoon of crushed chili powder.
Curry leaves.
2 cloves of crushed garlic.
A finely chopped onion.
3 Chopped green chilli pods.
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice.
Some water.
The cooking process as follows.
First, take the banana blossom and finely slice it as shown below. Then, add it to a bowl of water mixed with salt, turmeric powder, and lime juice.
Now, let’s move on to the next step! Now, squeeze the banana blossom well to remove the water completely.
Next, take a pan and add some coconut oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped banana blossom pieces. Sauté them until they turn golden brown.
Now take another pan and place it on the stove. Add about one tablespoon of coconut oil, and once it heats up, add the chopped garlic, onions, curry leaves, and green chilies. and mix it.
Now add chili powder, turmeric powder, and tomato sauce, and mix everything well.
In this delightful experience of preparing banana flowers, the fusion of sweetness and spices reflects the essence of our island cuisine — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and creative techniques. This sugar sambal-style banana flower dish is not only delicious but also rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Serve it warm, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the deep, nostalgic flavors of traditional Sri Lankan home cooking. That’s all from me for today — have a wonderful day, everyone!
