Cut medium-sized cauliflower into large florets.
In a mixing bowl, add cauliflower florets, some hot water, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of turmeric. Mix well and soak the cauliflower florets in the water for 10 minutes.
Remove the water completely using a sieve.
Using a grater with large holes, grate the cauliflower florets. You need 2 cups of grated cauliflower.
In a pan, add 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, ½ tsp ajwain, and ¼ tsp black peppercorns. Roast on a low flame until aromatic.
Transfer the roasted spices to a mixer jar. Add 2–3 green chilies, 1-inch ginger, 5–6 garlic cloves, and some curry leaves. Grind coarsely without adding water.
Add the ground masala to the grated cauliflower mixture. Then, add 2 tbsp sesame seeds, salt to taste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp dry mango powder, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ cup chopped onion, and some coriander leaves. Mix well.
In the mixer jar, grind 1 cup of poha into a fine powder. Add the powdered poha to the mixture and mix well.
Gradually add 1 cup of besan and bind the vada dough.
Grease your hands slightly with oil and take a small portion of the dough. Flatten the dough ball between your palms to make slightly flat and thin vadas. Repeat for all vadas.
Heat oil on medium flame and fry the vadas until they turn slightly brown.
Increase the flame to high and fry the vadas again for 1–2 minutes until they become super crispy.
Crispy cauliflower vadas are ready.