Kancha Kadali Tarkari
A simple and comforting Odia curry made with tender raw bananas and potatoes, simmered in a light, fragrant gravy of onion, tomato, and spices. A wholesome dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetables
- b.Lightly oil your hands to prevent staining from the banana sap.
- c.Peel the raw bananas and potatoes. Chop them into 1-inch cubes.
- d.Immediately place the chopped banana and potato pieces into a bowl of water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow Fry the Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it's slightly smoking.
- c.Drain the water from the banana and potato cubes completely. Carefully add them to the hot oil.
- d.Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are light golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering and Masala Base
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Reduce heat to medium.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the pancha phutana and the bay leaf. Allow the spices to crackle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Aromatics and Spices
- b.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- c.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and mushy.
- d.Add all the dry spice powders: turmeric, red chili, cumin, and coriander powder, along with the salt. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Return the shallow-fried banana and potato pieces to the pan. Gently mix to coat them evenly with the masala.
- c.Pour in 2 cups of hot water and stir. Bring the curry to a rolling boil.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the gravy has thickened slightly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala powder.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent raw bananas from turning black, always keep them submerged in water immediately after chopping.
- 2Using mustard oil and pancha phutana is key to achieving the authentic Odia flavor of this dish.
- 3Shallow frying the bananas and potatoes before adding them to the gravy enhances their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- 4For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 2 tablespoons of fresh coconut paste along with the tomatoes.
- 5Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Use hot water to maintain the cooking temperature and enhance flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
Add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut paste or a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier gravy.
Satvik (No Onion/Garlic)Satvik (No Onion/Garlic)
Omit the onion and ginger-garlic paste. Increase the amount of tomatoes and add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for a flavorful alternative.
With Other VegetablesWith Other Vegetables
You can add other vegetables like drumsticks (sajana chhuin) or broad beans (simba) along with the potatoes and bananas for added texture and nutrition.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper along with the garam masala for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Gut Health
Raw bananas are rich in resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promoting a healthy digestive system.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Both raw bananas and potatoes provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Potassium
This curry is a good source of potassium from both bananas and potatoes. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and nerve signals.
Wholesome Plant-Based Meal
As a completely plant-based dish, it provides essential vitamins and minerals without any cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice for a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Kancha Kadali Tarkari contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the size of the vegetables used. It's a moderately caloric dish that is quite filling.