Vazhaipoo vadai

• Ingredients:
• Channa dhal- 1 cup
• Vazhaipoo/ plantain flower- 1 cup chopped
• Red chilli-4
• Onion-1
• Curry leaves-1 handful
• Coriander leaves-1/4 cup chopped
• Asafoetida-1/4 tsp
• Fennel seeds-1/4 tsp( optional)
• Oil- to deep fry
• Salt- to taste

Method:

• Soak channa dhal for 2 hours.
• Chop the florets of plantain flower- after removing the stem part.
• Keep it immersed in water+ curd mixture till you is it.
• Now in a mixer add channa dhal ,red chilli, chopped plantain flower and give it few pulses.
• Grind it coarsely without adding water.
• Add finely chopped onion,curry leaves,coriander leaves, green chilli ,asafoetida and salt.
• Mix well and make them into small balls.
• Heat oil in a kadai.
• Press the masala vadai mixture between you palms and drop them in oil.
• Fry till done.
• Serve with coconut chutney.

Notes:

• It will be quite difficult for the vadai to hold in shape if not ground properly. Add plantain flower at last while grinding. Just 2 or 3 pulses will be enough.
• You can add extra soaked channa dhal for extra crispy vadai.