Vazhaipoo Vadai Recipe (Banana Flower Fried Savoury Snack)
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with the Vazhaipoo Vadai, a traditional South Indian snack that showcases the unique flavors and textures of banana flowers, known locally as “Vazhaipoo.” This savory delicacy, made from a harmonious blend of dals and aromatic spices, is perfect for tea-time or as a delightful starter. The crunchiness of the fried vadas combined with the subtle flavors of banana flower creates a unique taste experience that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Banana flower (Vazhaipoo) | 1/2 cup (soaked in buttermilk) |
| Green chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon (coarsely pounded) |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves (pounded) |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Preparation Time
| Description | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dals: Begin the Vazhaipoo Vadai recipe by soaking the chana dal and toor dal in hot water for approximately half an hour. This step softens the dals, making them easier to grind.
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Prep the Banana Flower: While the dals are soaking, prepare the banana flower. Carefully peel the banana flower petals and extract the small white florets from within. Place these florets into a container filled with buttermilk to prevent browning.
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Clean the Florets: For each banana floret, remove the stamen (known as “kaalan”) and any thin white cover portions. Ensure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk for about 20 minutes to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor.
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Grind the Dals: After the soaking period, drain the water from the dals. Transfer them to a blender and coarsely grind, ensuring that some pieces remain intact for texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Drain the buttermilk from the banana flower and roughly chop the florets. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dals, chopped banana flower, finely chopped green chillies, pounded garlic, chopped pearl onions, coarsely pounded fennel seeds, asafoetida, finely chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat sufficient sunflower oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
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Shape the Vadas: With wet hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small, flat discs. Ensure they are compact to prevent breakage during frying.
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Fry the Vadas: Gently slide the shaped vadas into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
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Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the vadas from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve your hot, crispy Vazhaipoo Vadai alongside a sweet Semiya Payasam or your favorite chutney for a delightful snack experience.
Conclusion
The Vazhaipoo Vadai is not just a snack; it embodies the essence of South Indian cuisine with its unique use of banana flowers and traditional spices. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or as a comforting evening treat, this recipe promises to bring joy to your table. Enjoy the crunchy, flavorful bites that are sure to make every occasion special!
