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Banana Flower Vada

Serves 2
4 mins
541 Kcal
Banana Flower Vada is the crispy, golden snack you didn't know you needed a South Indian gem that's equal parts crunchy and flavorful. Made with tender banana flowers, spices, and a blend of lentils, these fritters pack a punch of texture and taste in every bite. Think of them as the ultimate fusion of tradition and snack goals, perfect for tea time or a rainy day munch session. Banana flower, of course. This underrated ingredient brings a subtle, earthy flavor and a whole lot of nutrition to the mix. Combined with soaked lentils, green chilies, ginger, and a handful of aromatic spices, the batter is shaped into patties and deep-fried to golden perfection. A crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside vada that's irresistibly good. The banana flower vada recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Clean and chop the banana flower, soak your lentils, and grind everything together into a thick, chunky batter. Shape it into rounds, fry until golden, and you've got yourself a plate of vadas that are ready to steal the show. Serve them hot with a side of coconut chutney or ketchup for that extra zing. Perfect for when you're craving a snack that's hearty, crunchy, and packed with flavor, banana flower vada is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you're experimenting with regional flavors or just flexing your snack-making skills, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients required for Banana Flower Vada

  1. 3 cup vazhaipoo
  2. 1 cup chana dal
  3. 1 onion
  4. 1 green chillies
  5. 1 tsp asafoetida
  6. Salt
  7. 1 tbsp oil
  8. 3 dry red chillies
  9. 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  10. 1/4 cup curry leaves
  11. 1/4 cup coriander leaves
  12. 10 garlic cloves
  13. 1 tbsp ginger

Cooking steps for Banana Flower Vada

  1. 1
    Say hello to crispy, crunchy perfection with this banana flower vada recipe!
  2. 2
    These little fritters are packed with flavor, and trust me, they're a vibe for tea-time munching or impressing guests.
  3. 3
    Let's dive in! Start by soaking 1 cup of split chana dal in water for about 2 hours.
  4. 4
    Meanwhile, clean 3 cups of banana flower (vazhaipoo), chop it finely, and set aside.
  5. 5
    Pro tip: grease your hands with oil to avoid any stickiness while cleaning.
  6. 6
    In a mixer grinder, blend 3 dry red chillies, 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, ¼ cup curry leaves, 10 garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon ginger (optional) into a coarse paste.
  7. 7
    If you love herby goodness, toss in ¼ cup coriander leaves too.
  8. 8
    Set this spice mix aside.
  9. 9
    Drain the soaked chana dal and grind it coarsely don't overdo it; we want some texture here.
  10. 10
    Combine the ground dal with the banana flower, spice paste, 1 large finely chopped onion, and 1 finely chopped green chilli in a mixing bowl.
  11. 11
    Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of asafoetida and salt to taste.
  12. 12
    Mix everything into a firm, sticky dough.
  13. 13
    Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it's hot but not smoking.
  14. 14
    Meanwhile, shape the mixture into small, flat vadas with your hands.
  15. 15
    Make sure they're uniform so they cook evenly.
  16. 16
    Carefully slide the vadas into the hot oil and fry them in batches.
  17. 17
    Let them sizzle away until golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping occasionally.
  18. 18
    Don't overcrowd the pan give those beauties space to shine.
  19. 19
    Once done, transfer the vadas to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.
  20. 20
    Serve these piping hot with coconut chutney, tomato ketchup, or even plain yogurt.
  21. 21
    This recipe of banana flower vada is sure to be your new go-to for snack cravings or a flavor-packed appetizer!

Shop Ingredients

Ginger (1 Tbsp)
18
1
28
1
20
1
Fennel Seeds (1 Tbsp)
62
1
78
1
61
1
78
1
115
1
45
1
Salt
27
1
24
1
22
1
105
1
107
1
47
1
53
1
79
1
73
1
144
1
Garlic Cloves (10)
60
1
78
1
28
1
81
1
Curry Leaves (1/4 cup)
10
1
19
1
Dry Red Chillies (3)
37
1
62
1
52
1
92
1
121
1
83
1
260
1
132
1
50
1
121
1
Oil (1 Tbsp)
171
1
149
1
150
1
160
1
154
1
151
1
760
1
153
1
188
1
334
1
Coriander Leaves (1/4 cup)
13
1
13
1
22
1
Chana Dal (1 cup)
66
1
65
1
124
1
129
1
65
1
83
1
130
1
105
1
70
1
100
1
Green Chillies (1)
16
1
18
1
29
1
Asafoetida (1 Tsp)
92
1
56
1
96
1
71
1
110
1
91
1
205
1
55
1
72
1
60
1
Onion (1)
31
1
28
1
22
1
61
1
51
1

FAQs

Is Banana Flower Vada healthy?

It can be! Banana flowers are packed with fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient powerhouse. When combined with protein-rich lentils, these vadas offer a great mix of health benefits and indulgence. While they are traditionally deep-fried, you can make a healthier version by air-frying or baking them. It's the perfect snack when you want something crispy yet guilt-free (well, almost).

How does Banana Flower Vada taste?

It's an explosion of textures and flavors! The banana flower adds a slightly earthy, nutty taste that's beautifully balanced by the spices like cumin, curry leaves, and green chilies. The lentils give it a crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. Pair it with a tangy chutney or ketchup, and you've got a snack that's savory, spicy, and totally satisfying.

Can I make Banana Flower Vada without deep frying?

Absolutely! While the traditional version is deep-fried for that ultimate crunch, you can easily air-fry or bake them for a healthier twist. Just brush the vadas with a little oil and pop them in an air fryer or oven until golden and crispy. They'll still be delicious and much lighter, so you can enjoy them more often without feeling like you overindulged.