- Submitted by Dahlia
(Plantain Pith Juice, Banana Trunk Juice, Banana Stem Lassi, Vazhaithandu juice, Vazhapindi juice)
Banana stem juice (Vazhaithandu) juice is a famous beverage served by many health stores, street vendors and even restaurants in South India. Due to its numerous health benefits, it is said that drinking a glass of Banana stem juice in the morning will keep you fit. It prevents kidney stones, keeps blood sugar under control, keeps your body cool and is also a very good detox food. Banana trunk juice can also be included in the weight loss diet.
Coming to the recipe, to make the juice banana stem is pureed with some curd. Well, according to me it should be called Banana stem Lassi since it has yogurt in it. But the name juice is commonly used all over Tamil Nadu. It’s a great choice of drink that you can make during those summer days instead of having those sugary bottled drinks. I love to have a variety of such homemade healthy drinks during summers to satisfy my craving for cool liquids. In fact, my kids don’t even realize that there is a vegetable in their drink. It can be served in the sweetened form or as salted one. Both are equally delicious and the choice is personal. I will give the recipes for both versions here.
I have already shared detailed instructions on cleaning and cutting banana stem here. Do go through that and keep your chopped banana stem ready before you start the recipe.
Recipe for Banana Stem Juice
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: Nil
Serves: 2
Salted Juice
Ingredients
- Banana stem (Vazhaithandu) – 1 cup (chopped)
- Curd – 1/2 cup
- Ginger – a small piece
- Salt – to taste
- Cold water – 1/2 cup
- Pepper powder - 2 pinches (optional)
- Chaat Masala – a pinch (optional)
Method
- Take the chopped banana stem pieces, ginger, curd, salt and water in a blender.
- Grind to a smooth puree.
- Strain it to remove the extra fiber. You can skip this step and serve without straining too.
- Add some black pepper powder or chaat masala or roasted cumin powder as per your taste.
Sweet Banana Stem Juice
Ingredients
- Banana stem (Vazhaithandu) – 1 cup (chopped)
- Curd (or milk) – 1/2 cup
- Sugar - 2 tbsp
- Water – as needed
Method
- Grind together the chopped banana stem pieces with some curd and sugar. If you prefer to have it like a milkshake, add milk instead of curd.
- Strain using a sieve. Again, this step is absolutely optional.
- Add little water to bring it to the right consistency.
- Check the taste and add more sugar if needed.
- Chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips
- If you like a thicker and more creamier drink, just increase the amount of yogurt.
- People who are dieting need not sieve it. The fiber in the drink will keep you full for long hours thereby reducing your calorie intake.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve chilled with some ice cubes for that little extra punch. It tastes good when served at room temperature too.
More Banana Stem Recipes