Crispy Raw Banana Vadas (Vazakkai Vadas): Authentic South Indian Recipe
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About Crispy Raw Banana Vadas (Vazakkai Vadas): Authentic South Indian Recipe
Discover the nostalgic taste of Raw Banana Vadas (Vazakkai Vadas), a nearly forgotten South Indian snack. This recipe is inspired by a chance encounter in Ooty with an octogenarian tea stall owner who shared her family's treasured method, enjoyed by locals and movie stars alike since the 1950s. The secret? Perfectly cooked raw bananas and potatoes, creating a vada that's delightfully crispy on the outside and incredibly soft and flavorful inside.These savory vadas burst with the unique flavor of banana, complemented by onions, green chilies, and warming spices. Traditionally served with coconut and tomato chutneys, they are equally delicious with a simple dollop of ketchup – a testament to their versatility and timeless appeal.Relive a piece of Ooty's culinary history and easily recreate this simple yet unforgettable snack in your own kitchen. This recipe provides clear instructions for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep45 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
For the Vada Batter
- 4 Banana peeled and pressure cooked until fork-tender, raw
- 1 large Potato pressure cooked until fork-tender, skin removed
- 2 medium Onion peeled and finely chopped
- 3 Chili finely chopped (adjust to taste), green
- 1 tsp Turmeric haldi
- 1 tsp Cumin ground, jeera
- 2 tsp Coriander dhania
- 2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder mirch (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seed for added flavor, optional
- 1/4 tsp Gram black, for added texture; tempered with mustard seeds, optional, split black lentils
For Frying
- 4 tbsp Oil vegetable oil or coconut oil
For Serving (Optional)
- Onion Ring tossed in salt
- Tomato Ketchup or your favorite chutney
Instructions
Prepare the Raw Banana and Potato
- Pressure cook 4 raw bananas and 1 large potato until fork-tender. Peel the bananas and potato, then mash them thoroughly in a large bowl until completely smooth and lump-free.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add finely chopped onions and green chilies and sauté until the onions become translucent.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the mashed raw banana and potato mixture to the pan. Stir in turmeric powder, ground cumin, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well, adding 2 teaspoons of oil if the mixture becomes too dry. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cool and Shape
- Transfer the mixture to a plate and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized balls or patties (vadas).
Fry the Vadas
- Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the vadas in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. If using optional mustard seeds and urad dal, temper them in a separate pan before adding to the vada batter.
Serve
- Remove the vadas from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with onion rings, tomato ketchup, or your preferred chutney.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Raw Banana Vadas
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) while sautéing the onions.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying; this will ensure even cooking and prevent the vadas from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a crispier vada, allow the mixture to cool completely before shaping and frying. A slightly firm batter helps maintain shape during frying.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gSodium: 760mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Amrita Iyer
Articles: 3
7 Comments
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This is so tempting! Thank you.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I’m in love with this recipe already!
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.
Mast ekdum
Lovely share !! Raw banana also happens to be integral to Odisha food and one can literally find a small banana grove in the backyard of every house . Would love to try this recipe of yours 🙂
I’m loving this recipe already!