Raw Banana Tamarind Curry

Raw Banana Tamarind Curry

Ingredients:
4 raw (cooking) bananas
1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind paste
3 tablespoons oil
1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
8 curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups water
Sugar, optional

Spice Paste:
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 cloves garlic
1/2-inch piece ginger
2 cloves
1 teaspoon uncooked rice

Directions:
1. Grind the spice paste ingredients with a few drops of water and set aside.
2. Cut each banana into four pieces, remove the skin and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a deep skillet. Add the mustard seeds, and when they pop add the curry leaves and the paste. Fry on moderate heat 1 minute.
4. Add the water, tamarind paste, bananas, chili powder, turmeric and salt.
5. Cook on low heat 15 minutes, until the gravy thickens.

Note:
Some tamarind paste is very sour; adjust to taste. You can add a spoon of sugar just before removing from the heat.