Vazhaipoo Vadai / Banana Blossom Vada | Indian Appetizers

Vazhaipoo / Banana Blossom / Banana heart is the flower of the plantain tree. It is commonly used in many south-asian dishes steamed, fried or cooked in curries and stir fries. It is healthy and has a great taste. The most common dish prepared with banana heart at our home is vadas.

Ingredients:
Vazhaipoo / Banana blossom - 1 - Cleaned
Chana dhal - 1 small cup - Soaked for 2 hrs
Chopped onion - 1 cup
Curry leaves - a few
Cilantro - about 7 or 8 twigs
Fennel seeds - 1/2 tsp
Cloves - 2
Cinnamon - a small
Ginger - 1/2"
Red chillies - 3
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Salt - to taste
Oil - for deep frying

Method:
Wash and soak the chana dhal for 2 hours.
Clean the vazhaipoo and wash it in buttermilk. Take a microwave-proof dish and add the cleaned vazhaipoo with turmeric powder and salt with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave for 5 to 7 mins. You can also steam in stove-top.
Reserve 2 tbsps of soaked chana dhal along with the chopped onions to mix at the last. Blend the remaining dhal in a blender/mixie along with fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, chillies and salt. Grind to a not so smooth paste sprinkling little water. Now add the steamed vazhaipoo to the blender and pulse it for 30 secs. The whole batter should be thick and not be watery or flowing. Now add the chopped onions, with reserved soaked dhal, chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves and salt.
Heat oil for deep frying. Take a lemon sized ball and flatten it with your palm and drop it into the oil. Flip it over and fry until golden brown. Drain excess oil in a paper towel. Serve hot as a snack or a side.

I am sending this to 'Deep Fried Snacks' event by Radhika of Tickling palates.



Sending this to ABC series - B for Banana event by Ramya.


I am also sending this to 'A for Appetizers' event by Charitha.

Banana Flowers