Preparation Time : 15 mins | Cooking Time : 20 Mins | Serves: 3-4
Vazhaithandu ||banana stem 1 small size Onion 1 Bay leaf 1 Butter |ghee 1 tsp Cumin seeds 1/4 tsp Yellow moong dal 1 tblsp Salt as needed Black pepper to taste

Method:
- Cut the banana stem and onion into big cubes. In a pan add ghee or butter and add the bay leaf, Add in the cumin seeds and onions and saute till they turn pink.
- Add the cut vazhaithandu and saute for a minute.

- Add in the moong dal and add 1 cup of water and pressure cook all till 2 to 3 whistles.
- Allow this to cool and discard the bay leaf. Grind this into a smooth paste.

- Add 2 cups of water and filter the ground paste. Throw out the residue.
- Add salt and pepper powder to this and boil this for 3 to 5 minutes.

- Serve the soup hot.

- Moong dal gives thickness to the soup and so no need for any cornflour to give thickness.
- You can add garlic pods to enhance the flavor, add this while cooking this in pressure cooker.
- If adding ginger add while cooking and discard while grinding. Else the flavor of ginger will be dominant.