Authentic Banana Flower Vada Recipe – Channa Dal & Tur Dal Fritters

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Banana Flower Vada Recipe – Channa Dal & Tur Dal Fritters

Introduction

Oh, vada! Is there anything more satisfying than a crispy, golden vada with a soft, flavorful inside? I remember my grandmother making these for every festival, and the aroma would fill the entire house. Today, I’m sharing a special version – Banana Flower Vada! It’s a delightful twist on the classic, packed with flavor and a surprising, healthy ingredient. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average vada recipe. We’re adding banana flower, which brings a unique texture and a subtle, almost artichoke-like flavor. It’s also incredibly nutritious! Plus, the combination of channa dal and tur dal creates a wonderfully balanced taste and satisfying crunch. It’s a little bit of effort, but so worth it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious vadas:

• ¼ cup Bengal gram (channa dal)
• ¼ cup Tur dal
• 3 Green chillies
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds (sombu)
• ¼ tsp Asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tsp Fried gram (pottukadalai)
• Salt to taste
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 tbsp Coriander leaves
• ⅓ – ½ cup Tender banana flower (chopped)
• Few Curry leaves
• Oil for deep frying

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Bengal Gram (Channa Dal) & Tur Dal – The Lentil Base
These two dals are the heart of our vada. Channa dal gives it that lovely crispness, while tur dal adds a soft, binding element. Using both creates the perfect texture.

Banana Flower – A Unique & Healthy Addition
Banana flower (also known as kele ka phool in Hindi) is a bit of an unusual ingredient, but it’s fantastic! It’s packed with fiber and minerals. Don’t be intimidated – I’ll show you how to prepare it easily.

Fennel Seeds (Sombu) – Aromatic Flavor
Fennel seeds add a beautiful, subtle anise-like flavor. A little goes a long way! You can lightly dry roast them before grinding for an even more intense aroma.

Asafoetida (Hing) – Digestive Benefits & Flavor Enhancement
Hing is a staple in Indian cooking. It adds a unique savory flavor and is known for its digestive properties. Don’t skip it!

Fried Gram (Pottukadalai) – Texture & Binding
Fried gram helps bind the vada and gives it a slightly nutty flavor. It also contributes to the overall crispiness.

Regional Variations in Banana Flower Preparation

You might find different ways to prepare banana flower depending on the region. Some people prefer to boil it briefly, while others, like me, prefer to soak it in buttermilk. The buttermilk method helps prevent discoloration and adds a lovely tang.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Soak the lentils: Start by soaking the channa dal and tur dal together in water for at least 2 hours. This softens them up for grinding.
2. Prepare the banana flower: While the lentils are soaking, clean and finely chop the banana flower. Immediately soak the chopped pieces in diluted buttermilk to prevent them from turning brown.
3. Grind the lentils: Drain the soaked lentils and grind them coarsely with the green chillies, fennel seeds, fried gram, and salt. You want a slightly grainy texture, not a smooth paste.
4. Add the banana flower: Drain the banana flower (discarding the buttermilk) and pulse grind it with the lentil mixture. This helps incorporate it without completely losing its texture.
5. Mix in the aromatics: Now, add the chopped onions, coriander leaves, and curry leaves to the batter. Mix everything well.
6. Shape and fry: Take lemon-sized portions of the batter and shape them into flat discs. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully drop the vadas into the hot oil and deep-fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and serve: Remove the vadas from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite chutney or a hot cup of chai!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect vada:

Soaking & Grinding the Lentils
Don’t skip the soaking! It’s crucial for a smooth batter. And remember, we want a coarse grind, not a paste.

Preparing the Banana Flower – Preventing Discoloration
The buttermilk is your friend! It keeps the banana flower from turning brown and adds a nice flavor.

Achieving the Right Batter Consistency
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not too dry. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Frying to Golden Perfection
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the vadas in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your fried gram is processed without any animal products.

Gluten-Free Confirmation
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Spicy
Adjust the number of green chillies to your liking. For a milder vada, remove the seeds from the chillies.

Festival Adaptations – Special Occasion Vada
During festivals, I sometimes add a pinch of turmeric powder for a beautiful golden color and a touch of extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These vadas are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with:

• Coconut chutney
• Tomato chutney
• Mint-coriander chutney
• A hot cup of masala chai
• Sambar

Storage Instructions

Vadas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore some of their crispness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Banana Flower and Why Use It?
Banana flower is the blossom of the banana plant. It’s a nutritious ingredient rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It adds a unique texture and subtle flavor to dishes.

Can I Use Dried Banana Flower?
While fresh banana flower is preferred, you can use dried banana flower. Rehydrate it in warm water for about 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I Make These Vadas in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the vadas with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

How Do I Store Leftover Vadas?
Store leftover vadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

What is the Best Chutney to Serve with Banana Flower Vada?
Coconut chutney is a classic pairing, but tomato chutney and mint-coriander chutney are also delicious options!