The buttermilk mixture known as "Kalan"

Kalan is a preparation usually made for Onam or other festive occasions. My mum made this almost every other day because her kids simply loved it. It's even better if a fish curry were to accompany with the rice.

Ingredients:

Raw Banana - 1 cut into rounds of 1inch thickness

Sour curds - 4 cups

Turmeric powder - 1 1/2tsp

Fenugreek powder - 1/2 tsp
Fennel powder - 1/2tsp

Coconut grated - 1/2 cup

Green chillies - 3

Dry red chillies - 4-5

Mustard seed - 1tsp
Garlic - 4 pods
Curry leaves - a sprig

Combine the sliced up banana, 1/2tsp of turmeric powder,a bit of salt and water into a non-stick pan till the banana is pan coated. In another pan cook the sour curds with the rest of the turmeric powder. Cook on low heat continuously stirring to avoid curdling the mixture. Remove pan from fire and continue stirring till the mixture is slightly cooled. Wet grind the masala of coconut, garlic, 2 shallots, fennel powder and green chillies. For the tempering splutter mustard seeds, curry leaves, sliced shallots and red chillies till brown.Once the tempering is ready add the fenugreek seeks. Keep the yoghurt mixture back onto the stove and add the ground masala till the mixture is combined well. Add the salt and the cooked plaintains and stir well. Add the tempering to the dish.And its ready to be served with rice.