Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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

24 comments:

  1. yummmmmmmmmy and crispy vadas but slightly different from mine.

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  2. This is my favourite vadai, looks very yummy.

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  3. Vadais look so crispy and yummy. Excellent snack.

    Deepa
    Hamaree Rasoi

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  4. Toooo...yummy krithi!!! What a great idea for a snack..;)

    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

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  5. delish krithi u r snack looks cool...

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  6. the vadas look nice crispy and yummy!...very nice clicks too!

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  7. Looks like cutlets...wonderful snack.. will go very well with tea

    ammaandbaby.blogspot.com/

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  8. love love vazhapoo... superb cutlets .. nice clicks..feel like grabbing.

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  9. Fabulous crunchy vazhaipoo vadas.

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  10. I have always loved vadas and this looks yummy!!:)

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  11. very different, innovative. I'll definitely try...

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  12. very different, innovative. I'll definitely try.

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  13. Yummy vadas..A different version than mine..Delicious.

    Gayu
    http://ensamayalarangam.blogspot.com

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  14. Banana Blossom is new to me, but looks very tempting! Lovely clicks, Krithi!

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  15. very warm appetizer for a winter's evening.thanks for sharing and plz collect ir award at my kitchen

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  16. Perfect vazhaipoo vadai' crispy and inviting

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  17. came out very perfect.perfect snack with a hot cup of tea

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  18. Looks fabulous & absolutely delicious! love to follow u..

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  19. delicious n tempting.. love these healthy vadais..

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  20. never had banana blossoms before. Your recipe and photos are so tempting!

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  21. looks perfect for a snack. thanks for linking to my event. please link back to my event page

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