A rich natural food that is rich in fiber, protien and antioxidents. My whole family loves the Vazhaipoo in any form. And the Vazhaipoo Paruppu Usili, say no more!

Ingredients:
- Vazhaipoo – 1 no
- Salt – as needed
For Seasoning:
- Oil – 2tbsp
- Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
- Asafoetida – 2 pinches
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
To Grind:
- Channa Dal – 1/2 cup
- Toor Dal – 1/4 cup
- Red chilli – 3 to 4
- Hing – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
Serves – 4 persons
Preparation Time – 30 to 45 min
Preparation:
- Soak Channa dal and Toor dal for 1.5 – 2 hrs.
- Grind the soaked Channa dal, Toor dal, Red Chilies, Salt and Hing to coarse.
Paruppu Usili Method 1:
- Bake the above mix in the Idli breathe for 10 – 15 min.
- After baking, let it cool and loosen the baked mix with hand or Mixie wiper (do not add water). Make sure not to make it a paste.
Paruppu Usili Method 2:
- You can directly fry the Dal mixture in the oil until it becomes loose. But it consumes lot of oil.
- Remove the petals from the Vazhaipoo, take the flowers out. In Each flower remove the bud and small pale pink skin. Discard both.


- Chop the flowers into small pieces. Discard the bottom thick stem (see below image). Put it in the buttermilk and turmeric mixed water (to avoid discolor). When ready to cook, drain the water.



- Pressure cook the Banana flower/Vazhaipoo with needed salt and turmeric powder for 2 whistles. Drain the water and keep it aside.
- Heat the Oil in a Kadai and add mustard seeds. When it splutters, add Curry leaves and the Crumbled dal. Fry for a few minutes. Then add cooked Vazhaipoo. Mix it well and cook for a few minutes. Check for salt and add if needed.
- Serve it hot with Rice and Papad. For More-Kuzhambu rice it is perfect side dish.
Note:
- When removing the Florets from the Vazhaipoo, as you get to the core, you can directly chop the florets. No need to remove the bud.
- Before starting the process of removing the florets , apply oil to hand to avoid stickiness and black coloration. Keep applying as needed.