Banana Flower/Vazhai Poo Vada

Introduction:

Vazhaipoo is the tamil name for banana flower.It is also known as banana blossom

or banana heart.As its taste,its has immense health benefits.The flower stalks grow

through the center of the pseudo stem of banana tree.The flowers develop in

clusters and coil around the main axis.

1.It is an is an excellent source of crude fiber in the human diet.

2.It is used to control excessive pain and bleeding during menstural cycles.

3.It is good for pregnant women.

Recipe For Banana Flower/Vazhai Poo Vada:

 


Ingredients:
Banana Flower/Vazhai Poo - 1
Channa Dal/Bengal Gram - 1 Cups
Onion - 1 (Large - Finely Chopped)
Green Chillies - 3 to 4 (Minced)
Coriander Leaves - Few (Finely Chopped)
Curry Leaves - Few (Finely Chopped)
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp.
Fennel Seeds/Sombu - 1 tsp.
Crushed Ginger - 2 tsp.
Asafoetida Powder - 1/4 tsp.
Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp.
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 3 Cups (For Deep Frying)
Buttermilk - 2 Cups (Diluted).


Method:

How to clean the banana flower ?

A tedious and time consuming process,but its all worth it,when it comes down to
the final product.

1.Apply oil to both hand to avoid sticking.Take off the purple outer covering and
 remove the bunch of florets.Repeat the process until you reach the center.

2.Separate each flower from the bunch and remove the stamen.Chop the florets
and soak them in buttermilk with a pinch of salt to avoid discoloration.


How to prepare the vada ?

To make the vada,soak bengal gram for at least a couple of hour.

Then wash and drain the water completely with a paper towel,grind
coarsely and mix chopped onion,green chillies,crsuhed ginger,curry
leaves,coriander leaves,asafoetida powder,cumin seeds,fennel seeds,
red chilli powder,chopped flowers (drain all water before adding to
the dal) with salt. 

Mix everything to form a thick dough.Heat oil and deep fry them in
batches.

Drain excess oil on a paper towel and serve it hot with ketchup or
green chutney.


Nutritive Benefits of Banana Flower :

Good source of Vitamin C,Vitamin A,Vitamin B,Potassium,Magnesium,Phosphorus,
Calcium and Iron.

Medicinal Value :

1.Used in the treatment of bronchitis,constipation and ulcers,good
   for diabetics.

2.Reduces painful and excess menstrual bleeding.

3.Also believed to enhance milk supply in lactating mothers.