Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Vada Pav, the popular street food from Mumbai!
Ingredients:
For the Vada (Potato Filling):
- 4 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 inch ginger (grated)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed or finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1-2 tbsp oil
For the Batter:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- A pinch of baking soda (optional, for extra fluffiness)
For Assembling:
- 4 pav buns
- Green chutney (coriander-mint chutney)
- Sweet tamarind chutney
- Dry garlic chutney (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Potato Filling
- Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add turmeric powder and mashed potatoes. Mix well.
- Season with salt and add chopped coriander leaves. Mix thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- Once cool, divide the mixture into small, lemon-sized balls and flatten slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Gradually add water to make a smooth, lump-free batter that is thick enough to coat the potato balls.
- Add a pinch of baking soda if you want extra fluffiness in the coating.
Step 3: Fry the Vadas
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
- Dip each potato ball into the gram flour batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Carefully drop the batter-coated potato balls into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Assemble the Vada Pav
- Slice each pav bun in half.
- Spread green chutney on one side and sweet tamarind chutney on the other (you can also add dry garlic chutney for extra flavor).
- Place a hot vada in the center and press lightly to close the bun.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with additional green chilies (fried if preferred) and chutneys on the side. Enjoy your delicious Vada Pav!