Drumstick Flower Pancakes or "Mashinga Sange Phulla Polo"

The main health benefits of drumstick flowers are in the nutritional quality. The flowers of the plant are rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B3, Vitamin A, and vitamin C. There are also the minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium to be found in these flowers as well. The health benefits of drumstick flowers are found in the levels of protein compared to other vegetables. This may be a very good source for vegetarians and it is said to have the highest protein amount compared to any other plant situated on Earth.
Here is a traditional Konkani delicacy made from Drumstick flowers that is easy to make and yet very nutritious.
It can be eaten as an evening snack as well as a side-dish in a meal.
The actual traditional method involves grinding Toor Dal and Rice in equal proportions and then adding the required spices, but here is simplified version of the same using using ready gram flour and rice flour.

Serves 3
Ingredients:
DrumStick flowers - 2 handfuls

Gram Flour - 200 gms
Rice flour - 4 tbsps
Hing or Asafoetida - 1 tsp
Red Chilly powder - 2 tsp ( You can increase or decrease the quantity based on your palate)
Salt to taste
Grated or desiccated coconut - 2-4 tbsp - Optional but this gives softness
Green chilly - 2 chopped - Optional

Method:
Make a batter of Gram flour, rice flour, hing, red chilly powder, salt and green chilly along with 1/2 cup water to make a thick paste. Add in the drumstick flowers and mix well.

Now take a shallow frying pan, keep on low heat , add oil if required ie if the pan is normal and not non-stick.
Spread a laddle full of batter evenly on the hot pan, and spread into shape of a pancake.
Fry on both sides till golden and crisp.

Repeat the process with the remaining batter as well.
Serve hot.