Puso ng Saging Lumpia (Banana Heart Spring Rolls)

Every banana shrub during its time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms produces a heart shaped bulb Filipinos call puso ng saging (Banana’s heart), this is where the fruits develop from. In ancient mythical times it was believed that a perfectly shaped banana heart drops a small golden charm only every midnight, if the charm drops on the ground it instantly melts. It was believed that this charm gives superpowers to anyone who catches it with his mouth precisely at midnight. Precautions are very necessary since not only humans are after the said charm but also creatures of the night and the world beyond. That’s why bravery and perseverance is needed since the aforementioned creatures will grab that human’s neck just to make him choke the charm. If he manages to hold on to it a minute after midnight he is recognized as the owner of the charm. After possessing said charm I don’t know what happens since I don’t remember anyone telling me if how the tale ends.
When I was about 8 years old I tried. Obviously I failed. Now that I’m no longer a child I still wonder why anyone would come up with something as ridiculous as that. I waited until I had mosquito welts all over me! It was as magical as it is silly now that I reminisce. Still I describe it as a fun discovery of truth.
There is however a more widely accepted tale or myth regarding the banana’s heart. How the story goes, I wouldn't know. So for now, I'll concentrate on the easier part, cooking and eating a banana heart. 

Banana’s Heart Rolls

1 medium sized banana heart
1 cup egg noodles, softened in cold water
1 tsp very finely minced turmeric
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
16-18 flour/starch wrapper

Remove the easily removed part of the banana heart, discard. What’s left would be the white like layer that is glued tightly to the rest. Wash then chop finely. Sauté garlic in a little oil for about 2 minutes over medium heat. Add turmeric. After 1 minute add the chopped banana heart, bell pepper and carrot. Stir fry until soft. Add the egg noodles. Season with the oyster sauce, pepper and a bit of sugar. Keep stir-frying for 5 minutes more correcting the seasoning according to your liking. Set aside and let cool.

Prepare for wrapping. Pry the wrappers apart for easier handling. In a plate in front of you, lay down a wrapper. Drop a spoonful of the stir fried banana blossom about 2 inches away from the edge closest to you. Roll that edge over the filling slightly pushing towards you to tightly secure the filling. Fold the sides in then continue rolling until completely wrapped. Dap your fingers in cold water to help seal the wrapper.
Repeat procedure with the rest of the wrapper.
In a frying pan heat 2 inches of vegetable oil. As smoke start to rise from the oil start frying the rolls. Do not crowd the pan. The rolls will rise once cooked. Let cool in a wire rack.
Serve with spicy pork gravy.

  This was originally posted at http://saltforvanilla.wordpress.com