This delicious Vazhaipoo Vadai recipe from VanithaShri’s Kitchen is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Tamil cuisine! Made with banana flowers, this crispy and savory vada is perfect as a snack or appetizer. The unique taste of banana flowers combined with traditional spices creates a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Plus, this recipe is straightforward and uses healthy ingredients, making it an excellent option for home cooks of all levels. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup banana flowers (vazhaipoo), cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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Preparation of Banana Flowers
Begin by cleaning the banana flowers. Remove the outer petals and chop the inner flowers finely. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any bitterness. -
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped banana flowers, gram flour, rice flour, chopped onions, green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a thick batter. -
Forming Vadas
If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to help bind it together. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round patty or disc. -
Heating Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium flame. You can check if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough. -
Frying Vadas
Carefully place the shaped vadas into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. -
Draining Excess Oil
Once cooked, remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot vazhaipoo vadas with coconut chutney or sambar for dipping. Enjoy the crispy goodness with your family and friends!
Tips
- Cleaning the Banana Flowers: Make sure to wear gloves while cleaning banana flowers, as they can stain your hands.
- Texture Check: Ensure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape. If it’s too runny, add a little more gram flour.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the vadas will burn on the outside and remain uncooked inside.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
In closing, this Vazhaipoo Vadai recipe is not just a delicious snack but also a wonderful way to utilize banana flowers, which are often overlooked in cooking. It’s a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, offering both taste and health benefits. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and indulge in the crispy, flavorful experience of making your own vadas at home! Don’t forget to watch the video for a visual guide and additional tips from VanithaShri’s Kitchen. Happy cooking!
