Mocha is the banana blossom (flower) or also called a banana heart that grows at the end of the stem holding the cluster of banana. It’s deep cherry color when you go to buy it and needs a good cleaning process before cooking. This unique food is not only into Bengali food but also loved by south Indians. Here is how you can prepare Mochar Ghonto – Dish made from Banana flower(Recipe)
Mochar Ghonto Recipe: Dish made from Banana flower
Recipe Ingredients & Quantity: – Serving – 4 person
- Mocha (banana flower)– 1 medium size
- Kala chana – 50gm (soaked in water overnight)
- potato – 2 medium sizes
- Garam masala (powder) – 1 tsp
- Bay Leaves (Tej Patta)
- Ginger
- Coconut (grinded) – 100 gm
- Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
- Zeera Powder – 1 tsp
- Ghee – 1 ½ tsp
- Salt (as per taste)
- Oil
Related: English name of Indian spices and ingredients
Preparation steps for Mochar Ghonta (Banana Flower Dish)
1] Tear off the leaves of the banana flower, as shown in the image.
2] Inside you will find the bunch of banana flowers which in actual turns out to banana. Take out the bunch of the flower inside each leaf.
3] Pick the stamen from each flower (usually found between the flower looks just like the hibiscus flower)
4] Wash and clean the flowers. Cut them into small pieces, add a half teaspoon of turmeric powder and put it in pressure cooker After the pressure regulator chatters for once turn off the heat. Allow it to sit until the pressure is completely reduced and the air vent/cover lock has dropped. Drain the water and keep aside.
5] Heat oil in a nonstick or kadai. Put bay leaf, and zeera sauté for few seconds.
6] Add ground coconut and stir fry till color changes to golden.
7] Add boiled Kala chana and potato and fry for two minutes. Add ginger paste, red chilly, turmeric powder, and cumin powder and continue to cook for another couple of minutes. Please keep the heat low.
8] Add the chopped banana flower and mix it well. Cover the nonstick or kadai with a lid for half an hour but keep stirring at regular intervals for better results. Keep the heat at a moderate temperature.
9] Sprinkle garam masala and add ghee. Mix well and serve it as a side dish along with hot rice and ghee or butter.
Banana Tree is incredibly useful
I have never thought in my life of having a banana flower or the spicy banana stem. I had no idea that they are edible. It might not look convincing to have it but believe me its delicious and rich food one can have and thanks to my mother in law again because of whom I have been able to taste this delightful Bengali food.
Also, you can fry or boil these banana flowers and eat as a side dish along with salt and pepper added according to taste. Enjoy it.