When it comes to nutrition, the banana blossom (vazhakoombu) is a step well ahead of the banana itself. From boosting immunity to keeping diabetics under control, it offers an array of health benefits. Known by different names across Kerala, dishes made of banana blossoms are so popular among Malayalis, particularly, the thoran that combines green gram with it. What we are attempting here is a new recipe – banana florets aka 'vazhappoo' stir fry. A dish made of the flower petals inside the banana blossoms, it's a delicious, highly aromatic, unique, and healthy side dish. These petals are so fleshy and soft that you would wonder whether you are eating kozhuva fish fry. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients
1 cup banana florets
1 tbsp corn flour
1 tbsp rice powder
½ tbsp maida
½ tsp chilli powder
1/8 tsp turmeric powder
Salt (as needed)
Oil (as required)
Preparation
Peel the petals and remove the thick brittle sticks inside
In a bowl, put corn flour, rice powder, maida, salt chilli powder, and a little turmeric powder
Make a medium-thick mixture adding a little water
Put the florets into the batter and mix well
Heat oil in a pan and fry the florets on medium flame until they turn golden
The soft and flaky texture of the banana flowers is delicious to taste
Serve it hot with meals or as an evening snack
