Recipe: Aratikaya Pachadi (Raw Banana Chutney)

A classic Andhra-style pachadi made with raw banana, green chillies, tamarind and spices. The cooked banana gives it a creamy texture, while the tempering adds a fragrant finish.

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium raw bananas
• 2 to 3 green chillies
• 2 dried red chillies
• 1 tbsp chana dal
• 1 tbsp urad dal
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 small piece of tamarind
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated coconut, optional
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

For tempering:

• 1 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chilli
• 5 to 6 curry leaves
• A pinch of hing

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Peel the raw bananas and cut them into chunks.
2. Steam or boil until tender. Allow them to cool.
3. Heat oil and roast the chana dal, urad dal, cumin and dried red chillies until lightly golden.
4. Add green chillies and garlic and sauté briefly.
5. Add tamarind and coconut, if using, and cook for another minute.
6. Cool the roasted mixture.
7. Grind the cooked banana, roasted mixture and salt into a thick, slightly coarse pachadi.
8. Add a little water only if required.
9. Heat oil for tempering.
10. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
11. Add dried red chilli, curry leaves and hing.
12. Pour over the pachadi and mix.

Recipe Tip: Do not add too much water. Aratikaya Pachadi is best when thick and spoonable.