A Crunchy South Indian Delight

Vazhaipoo, or banana flower, is a hidden gem in traditional Tamil cooking. Rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and iron, this floral ingredient is often underutilized—but when transformed into a crispy vadai, it becomes a snack-time superstar.

Today, we’re bringing you a wholesome, protein-rich, and crispy treat: Vazhaipoo Vadai—a South Indian fritter that’s crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and packed with the goodness of lentils and banana flower.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup thick curd (yogurt)

• 2 tbsp steamed banana flower (or agathi flower)

• 1 tbsp grated cucumber

• Salt – to taste

• Chopped coriander leaves – optional, for garnish

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

Step 1: Prepping the Banana Flower

Cleaning vazhaipoo can be a bit tedious but it’s totally worth it!

• Remove the hard pistil and transparent calyx from each floret.

• Finely chop the cleaned florets and soak them in buttermilk or turmeric water to prevent discoloration and bitterness.

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Step 2: Making the Vadai Batter

• Drain the soaked chana dal completely.

• In a mixer grinder, coarsely grind the dal along with red chillies, fennel seeds, ginger, and garlic. Do not add water.

• Transfer the coarse batter into a mixing bowl. Mix in the chopped vazhaipoo, onions, curry leaves, coriander, and salt.

• The mixture should hold shape without crumbling.

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Step 3: Shaping and Frying

• Heat oil in a deep kadai on medium flame.

• Take small portions of the batter, flatten them into vadai shapes (like thick discs), and gently drop them into the hot oil.

• Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

• Drain on absorbent paper.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.

• Perfect as an evening snack with chai or as part of a traditional South Indian meal.

Nutritional Insight

Banana flower is known for:

• Regulating blood sugar levels

• Boosting hemoglobin

• Promoting digestive health

Combined with chana dal, this vadai becomes a rich source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber—making it not just tasty but also nutritious.

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