Banana Flower Veggie Cutlets

picture courtesy Mongabay.com

The Crimson color edible banana flower\banana blossom\banana heart commonly used in the South Asian cooking,is an unusual tropical vegetable. Its also sold in well stocked Asian grocers in US.The stemmed flowers are tightly wrapped in rows around the leaves\bracts.Flowers and inner bracts can be used in stir-fries,fritters(vada),salad,lentils ,nuggets,gravies and also in soups and stews.


Seena's Banaflower cutletsis one of the most delicious recipe with banana flowers.The tough part of the flower is the stamen\filament,make sure its separated before using in cooking.

Ingredients
15-20 flowers ,separate the tough stamen.
1 big russet or Idaho potato,boiled and mashed
1/2 cup broccoli florets,steamed or boiled until tender
3-4 baby carrots,boiled and mashed
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon or more Chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder.
2 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro\coriander leaves
2 tablespoon Olive oil or Vegetable oil
1 slice Whole wheat bread, pulse in a processor to make fresh bread crumbs or use any store bought bread crumbs.

Method
Cook the banana flowers in boiling water with pinch of salt and turmeric until tender ,about 10 minutes.
Drain all water and finely chop the cooked flowers.Mash the broccoli and carrots and squeeze out any excess water using a paper towel.Mix all the veggies in to the mashed potatoes until well combined.
In a pan heat a teaspoon of oil and add the ginger and garlic paste. Saute for 2-3 minutes until lightly brown. Add the spices and saute for about 2 minutes until aromatic. Add the mashed veggies and stir to combine,turn heat off. When cool enough to handle , shape in to round or any desired shape patties. Lay the bread crumbs on a plate and coat the patties with crumbs on both side, shed any excess crumbs.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat and shallow fry until lightly brown on both sides. Serve in a sandwich or with Rice\Sambhar or Salads.

Nutritive benefits of Banana flower
Good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A,B vitamins,potassium,magnesium,phosphorus Calcium and iron.
Medicinal value
Used in treatment of bronchitis ,constipation and ulcers,good for diabetics.Reduces painful and excess menstrual bleeding.Also believed to enhance milk supply in lactating mothers.

Banana Flower cutlets are my entry for Weekend Herb Blogging ,hosting the event this week is Chriesi of Almond Corner