Vada Pav

Vada pav is a quintessential Bombay snack. A spicy mix of potatoes dipped in batter and deep fried then served tucked in bread with spicy chutney. I was thinking of making something special as I realized that I have successfully managed to blog for one whole year. Celebrations usually call for sweets/ desserts but I do not have much of a sweet tooth, although I cannot say I do not like sweet things. When I have a craving, it is usually for something, hot and spicy…even deepfried!  Vada pav may not sound like a grand celebratory food item but it satisfied my craving. I am sure people who love chaats and samosas and pakoras would agree with me that something like this could be special too

Here is the recipe

For the vada

3 large potatoes boiled and mashed

2 tbsp. ginger garlic green chili and curry leaves paste (grind all the ingredient together)

1 tsp. mustard seeds

½ tsp. asafoetida

1 tsp. turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Chopped cilantro about ¼ cup

 

For the batter

2 cups of gram flour/besan

About ¾ cup of water, (Add more if needed to make a thick batter)

Salt, red chili powder, carom seed powder (ajwain powder), pinch of asafoetida/hing and turmeric (add all the spices according to your liking or taste).

Crush a little kasoori methi (dry fenugreek leaves) and add to the batter.

Mix everything very well to make a smooth paste.

 

For the garlic and peanut chutney

 ½ cup roasted peanuts

½ cup roasted sesame seeds

¼ cup roasted coconut

½-cup garlic cloves

5-6 dry red chili

1-2 tbsp. red chili powder

Salt according to taste

Dry roast the garlic and red chilies. Grind everything listed above to make a coarse paste

Method

Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds and asafoetida.  Once the seeds splutter, add the ground paste and stir well. Add the turmeric and the potatoes. Season with salt and mix well. Add the chopped cilantro mix it in. Now make small balls with the potato mixture and keep it aside.

 

For making the vadas

 

Dip the potato balls in the prepared batter and deep dry until they turn golden and crispy.  

To assemble take the hamburger bun and slit it. Apply some green chutney if desired (made with cilantro and green chilies) and the garlic chutney. Now place one or two potato vadas in the bun. Serve with a cup of masala chai.