Banana Blossom Stir Fry | Kelfulachi Bhaji | Bondachi Bhaji

Banana Blossom Stir Fry | Kelfulachi Bhaji | Bondachi Bhaji with step-by-step photos and instructions. A very healthy and nutritious recipe of banana blossom stir fry or kelfulachi bhaji.

(NOTE : For a detailed post on how to clean a banana blossom check out the link below.)

How to clean a Banana Blossom/Banana Flower

Banana Blossom is also known as ‘banana flower‘ or ‘banana heart‘. It is a purple skinned flower, shaped like a drop or tear. It grows at the end of a banana fruit bunch. If left on the plant it would blossom into bananas. Hence, the name ‘banana blossom‘. Banana blossom is also known as ‘Bond‘ in Konkani, ‘Kelful‘ in Marathi, ‘Vazhaipoo‘ in Tamil and Malayalam, ‘Mocha‘ in Bengali, ‘Kele ka phool‘ in Hindi.

A banana flower is nature’s marvelous creation. Just look at the way it is designed. The florets are immaculately placed in clusters inside the purple petals known as ‘bracts‘. The bracts are discarded and the cream-yellow florets are collected. It is these flowers that you need to clean. However, as you keep collecting the florets and reach the inside, the florets are very tender. These florets are chopped directly. When you can no longer open the bracts you get the core or heart of the banana flower. This cone is chopped and used.

Removing the Dai And Davlo

The two parts of the flower that need to be cleaned are the calyx (also known as the perianth) and the pistil (stamen). They are colloquially referred to as Dai and Davlo respectively in Konkani. (In Konkani, Dai is a spatula that is exclusively used to serve rice whereas a Davlo is used to serve any gravy or curry. See the pic below)

The calyx and pistil resemble the dai and davlo and hence the reference. The calyx (Dai) are plastic-like flaps that are translucent (semi-transparent). However, the pistil (Davlo) is a long stick with a bulb-like top. Both these parts of the flower need to be discarded since they are difficult to digest. Also, they make the dish bitter in taste.

Banana blossom stir fry or Kelfulachi bhaji is a simple yet delectable recipe with no spices or masalas. However you can add garam masala if you love it spicy. Addition of any type of peas is a must. I love to add white peas. You can also add fresh green peas. However, if you are adding dried peas of any type you must soak them and pressure cook till slightly soft.

It goes well with chapati, roti or any bhakri. I usually prepare rice flour bhakris to go along with it. Although this is a simple recipe, it is the cleaning of the banana flower that takes time and patience. A banana flower is packed with nutrients and is very healthy. It boosts immunity and enhances lactation in nursing mothers. It is good for diabetics and anemic people. Its high fiber content makes it a natural laxative and thus it prevents constipation. It is rich in anti-oxidants that combat with free-radicals. Hence, I always make it a point, to include it in the diet whenever it is available.

How to make Kelfulachi bhaji?

Cleaning the Banana Blossom/Kelful/Bond

For a detailed post on how to clean a banana blossom check out the link below.

How to clean a Banana Blossom/Banana Flower

1. Apply coconut oil (or any other oil) to your hands to prevent your hands from getting stained. Then, open the banana flower by removing the purple petal (bract). You will find a cluster of flowers. Remove the flowers and collect them in a plate. Repeat the process by removing the next bract. Collect all the flowers till you reach the core of the flower.

2. Next, remove the calyx (Dai) and pistil (Davlo) and discard both. This is called Dai ani Davlo kadhap in Konkani. The dai is a plastic-like flap and the davlo is a long, hard stick with a bulb at the top.

3. The flowers at the core of the banana blossom will be tender and unopened. However, you need not clean them. So you can chop them directly.

4. Chop the cleaned banana florets and add them to water or buttermilk. Also chop the banana cone or banana heart. Soak the chopped banana flower in water or buttermilk for 7-8 hours or overnight. Finally, strain the water and discard it. The chopped banana flower is ready to use. 

5. Soak white peas for 7-8 hours. Drain the water and add fresh water. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until soft.

Preparing the Kelfulachi bhaji

6. Heat oil in a kadhai. Add mustard seeds and asafoetida (hing). Add slit green chillies.

7. Add chopped banana flower and sauté well. Add a little water and cooked white peas. Cook covered till soft.

8. Add salt, jaggery and freshly grated coconut. You can also add garam masala at this point if you love it a bit spicy.

9. Mix everything well until well combined. Allow to cook on simmer for another 2 mins and then switch of the gas. Serve with roti, chapati or bhakri.