Vazhapoo (Banana Flower)vadai

vazhai poo vada is a Authentic Tamilnadu delicacy. 

Banana flower ( Vazhai Poo in Tamil ) is used as a nutritious food item in South India. It has a lot of medicinal values, like blood purification, curing menstrual disorders, constipation, stomach ulcers. Also as it is rich in fiber content, it increases the hemoglobin cell levels in our blood.Banana blossom considered a very effective cure for menstrual disorders like painful menstruation and bleeding. It is also supposed to be a good lactating agent. It is also a good source for Vitamin A, Vitamin C and iron. 

Ingredients:
Vazha poo(banana flower)- 25-30nos

kadalaparuppu - (Channa dal,Split chick peas,Kadalai Paruppu)- 1cup

Fennel seeds-1tsp

Small onion-4-5

Green chillies-1

Ginger-1/4”piece

Curry leaves-5-6

Salt- to taste

Oil for deep frying

Method:

This is a banana flower. For vada we use the white flowers inside. 

 

Peel the outer skin from the banana flower. we will be using these white flowers only.

 .

Cleaning the poo undergoes these steps. We need to remove the black stigma inside. Chop the cleaned poo into small pieces.

Soak the kadalaparuppu for 3 -4 hrs. Strain them .

Coarsely grind the soaked kadalai paruppu in a mixer without adding a drop of water. and keep aside.

 Grind small onions, ginger, green chillies, and fennel seeds coarsely. Add this to ground kadalai paruppu. Add finely chopped curry leaves and vazhapoo to this.  Add salt and knead well and make balls. Spread the balls on our palm.

and deep fry in oil.

...And here comes my favorite.... Vazhapoo vadaassss....:)

Recipe Courtesy: Karunambal, Uma's Mother,Pondicherry