Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai Recipe – Banana Flower & Pearl Millet Crepe
Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai, a traditional South Indian breakfast dish, is packed with nutrients that make it an ideal start to your day. Combining the health benefits of banana flower (Vazhaipoo), an array of dals (lentils), and the wholesome goodness of pearl millet (Bajra), this recipe is designed to nourish your body with high protein and fiber content. Perfectly balanced in both taste and nutrition, it’s an excellent diabetic-friendly option to keep your blood sugar in check.
This savory crepe-like dish is prepared with a mix of moong dal, toor dal, urad dal, and chana dal, along with Bajra, to create a rich batter that is both filling and satisfying. The banana flower adds its unique taste and health benefits, being a natural source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The addition of turmeric and curry leaves enhances the flavors and adds to the overall health benefits. Serve this hearty adai with coconut chutney and sambar to make a complete meal that is both nourishing and delicious.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Diabetic-Friendly
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana flower (Vazhaipoo), cleaned and chopped | 1 flower |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| To Grind | |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Bajra (Pearl Millet) seeds | 1 cup |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns | 1 tablespoon |
| Curry leaves | 3 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 180 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 210 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Soak the Dals and Bajra:
Begin by soaking the dals (white urad dal, arhar dal, and chana dal) along with the Bajra (pearl millet) in water for at least 3 hours. This step softens the ingredients, making them easier to grind and blend into a smooth batter. -
Prepare the Grinding Mixture:
After the soaking period, drain the water from the dals and Bajra. Add them to a blender or food processor along with the black peppercorns and curry leaves. Grind them together, adding just a little water as needed, to create a coarse batter. The consistency should resemble that of dosa batter—neither too thick nor too runny. -
Set the Batter Aside:
Once the batter is ready, stir in the salt and set it aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the banana flower. -
Prepare the Banana Flower:
Carefully remove the petals from the banana flower. You will find small white florets at the bottom of each petal. Remove these florets and place them in a bowl of buttermilk to prevent browning. Also, remove the stamen (kaalan) and thin white cover portions from the florets. -
Chop the Banana Flower:
Once all the florets have been cleaned, drain the buttermilk and chop the florets into small pieces. Set them aside. -
Sauté the Onion and Banana Flower:
Heat oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add the chopped banana flower florets to the kadai. Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder over the florets, and sauté the mixture until the banana flower is cooked through and tender. -
Mix the Banana Flower with the Batter:
Add the sautéed banana flower mixture to the prepared Bajra adai batter. Stir well to ensure that the banana flower is evenly distributed throughout the batter. -
Cook the Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai:
Heat a non-stick tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Once the tawa is hot, ladle a small amount of the batter onto the center of the tawa and spread it outwards in concentric circles using the back of the ladle. The batter should form a thin, even crepe. Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the adai. -
Fry Until Crisp:
Allow the adai to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Flip the adai carefully and cook the other side until it is golden brown and crisp as well. -
Serve:
Remove the adai from the tawa and place it on a serving plate. Serve the Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a nutritious and satisfying South Indian breakfast.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Adai) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Health Benefits:
- Banana Flower: Known for its rich content of protein and dietary fiber, banana flower helps manage diabetes, improves digestion, and supports healthy menstrual cycles.
- Bajra (Pearl Millet): High in fiber and rich in proteins, Bajra is an excellent choice for maintaining digestive health and keeping you full for longer periods.
- Dals (Lentils): Packed with protein and fiber, these lentils support muscle growth, aid in digestion, and contribute to a balanced diet.
Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai is a powerhouse of nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day. Whether you are looking for a diabetic-friendly meal or simply a delicious South Indian breakfast, this dish has something to offer for everyone. Enjoy the healthy combination of banana flower, dals, and millet in every bite!
Note: For added flavor, you can also serve this dish with a variety of chutneys, like tomato chutney, or a simple tangy onion chutney.
