How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.

What can I use as a substitute for banana blossoms?

Substitute with chopped spinach or cabbage for a different flavor.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use chickpea flour instead of rice flour for a gluten-free option.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 200°C (392°F) for around 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Crunchy Indian Banana Blossom Fritters with Tamarind Chutney

Name: Crunchy Indian Banana Blossom Fritters with Tamarind Chutney
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: Banana blossoms; Chana dal; Rice flour; Onion; Green chilies; Ginger; Fennel seeds; Curry leaves; Salt; Oil; Tamarind pulp; Jaggery; Cumin powder; Red chili powder; Salt; Water

Deliciously crispy fritters paired with tangy chutney

These scrumptious banana blossom fritters, also known as "Vazhaipoo Vadai," are a perfect Indian snack paired with a flavorful tamarind chutney.

1 h 15 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Fritters

Banana blossoms

300g, cleaned and finely chopped

Chana dal

1 cup, soaked for 2 hours and drained

Rice flour

2 tbsp

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Green chilies

3, finely chopped

Ginger

1 inch, grated

Fennel seeds

1 tsp

Curry leaves

Few, chopped

Salt

To taste

Oil

For deep frying

For the Tamarind Chutney

Tamarind pulp

1/2 cup

Jaggery

1/4 cup, grated

Cumin powder

1 tsp

Red chili powder

1/2 tsp

Salt

To taste

Water

1 cup

Preparation

Preparing the Fritters

Blend chana dal

Blend chana dal coarsely without water.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dal, banana blossoms, rice flour, onion, green chilies, ginger, fennel seeds, curry leaves, and salt.

Don’t add too much water to the batter.

Form batter

Mix well to form a thick batter.

Add a pinch of baking soda for lighter fritters.

Making Tamarind Chutney

Combine chutney ingredients

In a saucepan, combine tamarind pulp, jaggery, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and water.

Cook chutney

Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cool chutney

Let cool and transfer to a serving bowl.

Cooking Process

Frying Fritters

Heat oil in a deep frying pan, take a small portion of batter, flatten it, and carefully drop into the hot oil.

Drain excess oil

Once golden brown, remove fritters and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve fritters

Serve hot fritters with a side of prepared tamarind chutney.

Plating & Serving