Vazhapoo vadai/Banana blossom vada

On a rainy day what would be a better snacks than a hot vada. I had a banana blossom left in my fridge and hence thought I could use them. The banana blossom adds a nice taste and crunchiness to the normal masala vada. Yet another simple recipe that would be a definite winner in your family:)



Ingredients:

1 small banana blossom/vazhapoo
3/4 cup bengal gram/channa dal
3 small red chillies
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 small green chillies chopped (adjust them according to your taste)
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
salt to taste
oil for deep frying

Wash and soak the channa dal along with the fennel seeds for 30 mins. Meanwhile work on the banana blossom. Peel the outer layers and discard them. Just collect the small florets found inside each layer. Take a small bowl of water and add turmeric to that. Immerse the florets immediately in this water, otherwise they would turn black. Repeat this until you reach the last layer where there wouldn't be any more florets. Chop these florets into small pieces and immerse them in the water till you cook.

Drain the channa dal and fennel seeds and pulse coarsely in the blender few times along with the red chillies and garlic. Add the chopped onions, green chillies, salt and the chopped banana flowers and mix them well. Heat oil in a frying pan. Prepare vadas and deep fry them in the oil till they turn golden on medium heat. Serve hot.