Raw Plantain (Banana) Pepper Fry

Does chronological age increase the mental maturity? We all assume that as we age we get better at dealing with problems in a calm and measured way. Personally for me this is not the case and more often than not continue on with old habits without realizing. Learn not to react right away and ponder over the situation a bit before responding or in some situations not respond at all. How? By being mindful of everything around you.

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment by calmly accepting and acknowledging one's feelings, thoughts and bodily functions. Stress brought on by doing too many things at the same time both physical and mental can be offset by being mindful. Setting aside a few minutes to practice mindfulness is what I am trying to do albeit unsuccessfully. I first started with the 3 minute Body Scan to Cultivate Mindfulness and that is the first 3 minutes that I had spent doing one thing fully without multitasking. While it is easy to tell DD2 to focus trying to do it myself has been a challenge.

We often find people complaining that they are not being listened to. While it has a lot to do with the person who is talking, the person who is listening has a part to play by putting effort at being mindful of what the person in front of them is saying. This simple interaction that takes place every single day in our homes and work places can be made better by being aware or in other words mindful.

I have heard lots of friends tell me that cooking is for them the act that brings them a feeling of well being. If you are one of those people good for you. While cooking is a much enjoyed event for me there are some days all I want to do is get it done and out of the way. The most annoying part of any activity are the deadlines that get put to accomplish simple things. I digress a bit but,

I worked on a project where the management did not believe in deadlines. Needless to say it was one of the most enjoyable projects that I worked on and it was the only place where most projects were delivered on time. Moreover people were more mindful about what was going on. All this planning for what? Go Figure!

Anyway when there is no deadline staring you down in the face and you have a some time to do some relaxed cooked, here is a recipe. It is quick and easy so it can be done when you are rushed for time but it might not be as enjoyable ;)

While green plantains are common in most grocery stores here, raw bananas are not that common a sight. Have to go to the Indian
grocery stores to purchase those. But for purposes of this recipe both kinds work very well. Simple and very easy recipe but with some impressive results.

Cut the raw banana in half and steam for 6-8 minutes and peel the skin.
Slice the cooked banana. Meanwhile heat a wide mouthed pan with oil.
Add the sliced bananas and the spice powder and mix them well.
Roast till the bananas are well coated.

Raw Plantain (Banana) Pepper Fry
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients

1. 3-4 raw plantain or banana
2. 2-3 tsp finely ground pepper powder
3. 1 tsp turmeric powder
4. 1 tsp red chili powder (optional)
5. salt to taste
6. 1/2 tbsp of oil

Method

1. Cut the banana into half, edges trimmed and steam for about 6-8 minutes. Let cool.
2. Peel the skin and cut into rounds or any shape you prefer.
3. Heat a wide mouthed pan add oil and when hot add the sliced banana and let it saute for a about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the turmeric, chili and pepper powders and salt and mix it in.
5. Continue to roast, adding a tsp or 2 of oil, till the outside gets crisp and the banana slices are well roasted.
Serve as a side dish.

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