In those days, our village had no other connectivity except a rough mud road, which was accessible only by carts and bicycles. The best holidays that I can think of were the ones spent in our native village — Cauvery River, the haystacks, banana trees, and coconut orchards — all added to its charm. Owning a bicycle was considered a sign of wealth and riding all around the village was an unforgettable experience. Licking ice sticks brought from Ranga, the local ice cream vendor, who went around in a tricycle selling ice sticks, added to the blissful experience.

Amid all the fun was a banana cooking competition among the local village ladies. This was an annual event started by my grandfather, who was the collector of Tanjore. His idea was to boost the women’s pride in cooking and make others appreciate their efforts. The competition was to cook any dish with tender stem or the flowers. Each one had their favourite recipe and mine was Gowri maami’s. My siblings supported my grandmother in the competition. And it was the children’s duty to see that the raw materials for cooking were delivered on time. After the competition, we would accompany my grandfather and the local panchayat heads to taste the dishes. My grandmother and Gowri maami had won many times. Maami’s vazhaipoo poriyal was outstanding and even today when I recollect the taste, my mouth salivates.

The banana tree is considered auspicious — it is an integral part of wedding rituals and its leaves are used to decorate the mandap (wedding platform). Its fruit is presented as an offering to deities. In many cultures across India, the banana flower (vazhaipoo) is considered to have the power to ward off bad omens. This may or may not be true, but the flower has been scientifically proven to treat a host of diseases such as dysentery, ulcers and bronchitis. The flowers are rich in antioxidants, fiber, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids and are a good source of vitamin E and flavonoids. But what could interest everyone is the flower’s ability to reduce body weight and improve longevity. Banana flowers have also been found to improve the health of the uterus.

In Tamil Nadu, banana flowers are prepared in a number of ways including vazhaipoo vadai, vazhaipoo kootu and vazhaipoo poriyal. Today, I share Gowri maami’s vazhaipoo poriyal.

Vazhakoombu/banana flower: 1 banana florets, finely chopped

Small shallots peeled: 1/4 cup

Turmeric powder: 1 ¾ tsp

Red chillies: 6

Green chilli: 1

Dry coriander seeds: 1 tsp.

Jeera: 1 tsp.

Pepper: 1/2 tsp.

Curry leaves as needed

Urad dal: 1 tsp.

Mustard seeds as needed

Dried red chilli: 2

Grated coconut: 1/2 cup

Salt to taste

Coconut oil: 2 tbsp.

Buttermilk: 1 cup

Asafetida: 1/2tsp.

Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp.

Curry leaves: 1/4 cup