Kulithu- Gabbe Koddel (Horsegram- Banana Stem Curry)

Kulithu- Gabbe Koddel is a very popular Konkani dish. In Konkani, kulithu means horse gram and Gabbo means Banana stem. The banana stem is obtained from the trunk of the plant. When the fruit is removed from the plant, the trunk is chopped off and the innermost core of the trunk is edible and that is called as gabbo, in Konkani. It is very healthy as it is rich in fiber. It looks like this-

Banana plant is a very useful plant. Every part of the plant is used one way or the other. Its leaves, flower, fruit, outer part of the trunk and the inner core is used. Here is an interesting essay on banana stem written by Ashwini of Konkani Foodie.

Try making this dish if you get a chance to lay your hands on banana stem. The garlic seasoning gives it a special taste.

Ingredients:

• Horse gram/ Kulithu- 1/4 cup
• Banana plantain stem, chopped- 2 cups
• Grated Coconut, Fresh/ Frozen- 3/4 cup
• Roasted red chilli- 4-5
• Tamarind- A small piece
• Oil- 2-3 tsp
• Garlic pods- 5-6
• Salt- To taste

Procedure:

Cut the banana plantain stem into bite size pieces and put it in a bowl of water.

Wash it and cook it along with horse gram with sufficient amount of water (add salt while cooking) for 3-4 whistles. While it is getting cooked, prepare masala.

For Masala- Grind grated coconut, roasted red chillies and tamarind to get a fine paste. Add water as required. Masala is ready.

Add the masala to the above cooked banana stem- horse gram mixture and bring it to a boil. When it comes to boil, continue heating for 3-4 more minutes. Turn off the heat. 

For seasoning- Heat the oil and add lightly crushed garlic to it. Fry it until light brown and add it to banana stem-horsegram-masala mixture. Mix well. Kulitha- Gabbe koddel is ready!!

Serve it hot with rice, idli or dosa. Above measurement serves 3-4 people.