Banana Blossom | Vazhachundu Cutlet

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A banana blossom cutlet is a delicious and flavorful dish that's made using banana blossoms, which are also known as banana flowers. Banana blossoms are the large, tear-shaped, dark purple or maroon flowers that grow at the end of banana clusters.

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Instructions:

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Preparing the Banana Blossom:

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1. Remove the tough outer layers of the banana blossom until you reach the tender, pale yellow florets inside.

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2. Chop the florets finely and soak them in water mixed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and remove any bitterness.

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3. After 10-15 minutes, drain and squeeze out excess water from the chopped blossoms.

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Cooking the Filling:

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1. In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent.

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2. Add the ginger, garlic and green chilies, and sauté for a minute.

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3. Add the turmeric powder, pepper powder, and garam masala. Mix well.

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4. Add the chopped banana blossom and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender.

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5. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, salt, and mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

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6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down.

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Shaping and Frying:

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1. Once the mixture is cooled, take small portions and shape them into cutlets or patties.

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2. Roll the cutlets in bread crumbs or roasted semolina to coat them evenly.

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Frying the Cutlets:

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1. Heat oil in a pan for shallow or deep frying.

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2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cutlets in the pan and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.

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3. Place the fried cutlets on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

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Serving:

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1. Serve the banana blossom cutlets hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.

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Banana blossom cutlets are not only delicious but also a creative way to incorporate this unique and nutritious ingredient into your meals. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a part of a main course. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and spices to suit your taste preferences!

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Ingredients

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1. Banana blossom – 1

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2. Potato – 3

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3. Onions – 3

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4. Ginger – 1/2 inch piece

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5. Garlic – 5 cloves

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6. Green chillies – 2

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7. Curry leaves – 2 sprig

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8. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

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9. Turmeric powder- 1/4 teaspoon

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10. Pepper powder- 1/2 teaspoon

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11. Garam Masala powder- 1 teaspoon

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12. Bread slices – 8,ground to crumbs

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13. Vegetable oil – to fry

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14. Egg – 1 big

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Method of preparation

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1)Cooking Banana blossom :

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1. Finely chop the banana blossom

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2. Soak the chopped banana blossom in water

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3. Pressure cook the banana blossom by adding 1/4 cup of water along with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt for 1 whistle

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4. Open the pressure cooker lid and make sure that the water is completely evaporated

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5. The moisture must be completely removed and the banana blossom must look dry

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6. Keep it aside

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2)Boiling the potatoes :

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1. Cut the potatoes into half so that they are evenly cooked

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2. Pressure cook the potatoes by adding 1 cup of water for 3 whistles

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3. Allow the pressure to release naturally

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4. Peel off the skin

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5. Mash the potatoes and keep it aside

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3)Preparation of Cutlet :

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1. Heat oil in a kadai

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2. Add finely chopped onions

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3. Add green chillies and chopped curry leaves

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4. Add finely chopped or crushed ginger and garlic

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5. Sauté for a few minutes till the onions are soft

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6. Add pepper powder and garam masala powder to it

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7. When the raw smell of powder is gone, add the banana blossoms

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8. Add potatoes and half of the bread crumbs

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9. Remove from the heat and let it cool

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10. After cooling, form cutlets by shaping with our hands

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11. Take a bowl and beat one egg

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12. Dip the cutlets in Egg

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13. Roll the dipped cutlets in remaining bread crumbs

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14. Shape the cutlets once again so that the bread crumbs adheres well to the cutlets

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15. Refrigerate the cutlets for 1 hour

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16. Heat oil in a kadai for frying

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17. Slowly lower the cutlets in hot oil

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18. Cook the cutlets until both sides becomes golden brown

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19. Remove the cutlets from oil and drain on paper towel

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20. Serve hot with sauce or salads

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NB : Apply oil to hands while cleaning banana blossoms, so that stains can be removed easily.