Monday, May 9, 2016

Vazhaipoo Thuvaiyal-Banana Flower Chutney Recipe-Vazhaipoo Health Benefits

Vazhaipoo thuvaiyal/banana blossom chutney is very healthy and goes well with rice. Banana flower known as "vazhaipoo" in Tamil has numerous health benefits. Let us see some of its health benefits before going to the chutney recipe.

Health Benefits of Banana Flower

Cooked banana flower is said to be good for diabetics.

Banana flower is used to treat ulcers and dysentery.

It helps to alleviate  menstrual cramps and is very effective  in treating excessive bleeding during menstruation. (Yes, very true as I have personally tested this and have found relief. Just grind tender banana flower to a paste. Mix 1 tsp of that paste with 1 tsp of curd and have it 2 times daily - morning and evening until your bleeding stops. Do not store leftovers. So grind only needed quantity. If symptom persists or if your bleeding is too heavy, consult your gynecologist. I am not a medical professional, I am just sharing with you my personal experience).

As it is rich in fiber, it helps prevent constipation.

As banana flowers are high in magnesium, it helps boosts mood and reduces the anxiety. It helps regulate the blood pressure.

Banana flower is also said to improve lactation.

When this humble banana flower has so many health benefits, why not include it in our diet once in a week. Today we will learn how to make a simple chutney/thuvaiyal using banana blossom/flower.

Vazhaipoo Thuvaiyal-Banana Flower Chutney
Banana blossom thuvayal-Sorakkai Kootu (with peas)

Vazhaipoo Thuvaiyal-Banana Flower Chutney

Vazhaipoo Thuvaiyal-Banana Flower Chutney

 Prep Time : 10 mins
 Cook Time : 10 mins 
 Serves: 2
 Recipe CategorySide Dish-Chutney
 Recipe CuisineSouth Indian

   Ingredients needed

   Tender Banana Flower - 1 cup cooked
   Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

   Oil - 2 tsp
   Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
   Urad dal - 1 1/2 tbsp
   Red Chillies - 3
   Hing/asafoetida - a pinch
   Tamarind - a small piece or 1/4 tsp tamarind paste

   Grated coconut - 2 tbsp
   Salt to taste


Clean banana flower and chop it finely. Check out how to clean banana flower. Keep it in diluted buttermilk until use to prevent discoloration.

Cook the chopped banana flower with just enough water, salt and turmeric powder. You can also pressure cook the flower for 2 whistles.


Heat oil in a pan/kadai, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add urad dal, hing and red chillies.

Vazhaipoo Thuvaiyal recipe

When dal turns golden brown, add tamarind and saute for 2-3 seconds. Then add cooked banana flower and saute for another 2 minutes.

Add grated coconut and saute for another 4-5 seconds. Add salt needed and leave it to cool.

banana blossom chutney

Grind it coarsely adding very less water. Enjoy it with hot rice topped with a tsp of ghee or sesame seed oil. My lunch on that day was just a simple vazhaipoo thogayal, sorakkai kootu, rice and curd.

More Vazhaipoo Recipes 

Vazhaipoo Kootu 

Vazhaipoo Paruppu Usili

Vazhaipoo Vadai 

Vazhaipoo Adai

Banana flower Poriyal 


  1. Vazhai poo chutney? When I first saw cabbage chutney in your blog, I was really wondering who in the world makes chutney with cabbage, but when I made it, it tasted awesome. Will vazhai poo chutney taste as good as cabbage chutney?

    1. Vazhaipoo chutney will be good only for rice and not for idli and dosa. It is good for health.

  2. What an idea, Book marking for trying it.

  3. You are an incredible cook,crisp and clear explaination with apt pics and easy to undersand.Hats off to you :)

  4. Simple and delicious...tried it today..thanks for such simple yummy recipe

  5. Padhu mam. Jus nw finished cookin ur vazhaipoo chutney n waiting to serve it to ma family members tmw. Twas very good wit sesame oil.

