Vazhaipoo Vadai | Banana Flower Vada

Vazhaipoo Vadai, or Banana Flower Vada, is a traditional South Indian delicacy that highlights the incredible flavours and health benefits of banana flowers (vazhaipoo). Known for their rich iron and fiber content, banana flowers are finely chopped and mixed with a spiced lentil batter, resulting in a crispy and nutritious vada. This dish is a staple during Tamil Nadu festivals and special family gatherings, where traditional flavors take center stage.

The preparation of Vazhaipoo Vadai requires some patience, as cleaning and chopping banana flowers is a meticulous process.Here I have shared step by step process of cleaning the banana flowers with pictures .Trust me , the effort is well worth it, as these vadas offer a delightful combination of crispiness and earthy flavours . They are often enjoyed as a tea-time snack, paired with coconut chutney, or served as part of a festive meal. Vazhaipoo Vadai is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome addition to your diet, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious food lovers.

Ingredients

Vazhaipoo (banana flower)- 1 cup finely chopped

Bengal gram dhal -1 cup
Onions -2 nos finely chopped
Green chillies- 4 nos finely chopped
Ginger-1 inch piece,finely chopped
Buttermilk -1/2 cup(without salt)
Curry leaves and coriander leaves a few finely chopped.
Cinnamon n cloves a few nos
Fennel seeds (sombu)-1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying.

Method 

👉Soak the dhal for 1/2 hour and later grind coarsely adding very little water.

CLEANING THE VAZHAIPOO -

👉First apply oil on ur hands before touching the vazhaipoo to prevent staining and avoid stickiness.Now open flower layer after layer collecting the white florets inside.

👉Now inside each florets remove the small transparent white skin and the nerve next to it that has a small bulb on top .(As u go deeper u will find small florets u can use them as such no need to remove anything from it )

👉Use the rest of the florets. Keep the florets soaked in buttermilk until use. Chop them finely before adding it to the dhal after draining them from the buttermilk.
👉Next in a vessel add the ground dhal, chopped Vazhaipoo, ginger, onions, green chillies, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, salt, curry leaves, coriander leaves, mix everything together DO NOT ADD WATER.
👉Now make small balls out of the mixture and slightly press them out to small vadas.

👉Heat oil in a kadai and deep fry the vazhaipoo vadais till golden brown color.

👉Serve hot with coconut chutney or sauce.

Total Preparation time-40 mins 

Serves-12-14 vadas depending on size