Vada Pav

Its raining cats and dogs here almost every day, especially in the evenings and thus its so difficult to control the temptation to have tea along with something crunchy and spicy fried snacks.  And one such popular snacks of Maharashtra is "Vada Pav"- the Indian burger in which, a deep fried Vada/fritter made out of Potato is sandwiched between the pav/bread/bun.

 

Its a very common popular street food in most parts of Maharashtra and I first got to have it during my collage days in Nagpur but to be very honest I didn't like it much then but developed an instant liking for it when I had it the second time in Mumbai. Vada pav is normally served with a chutney (sauce) which is made out of dried coconut powder, chilli powder and garlic.

Its really a yummy snack and it tastes even better when its raining outside and you get to have it with a steaming hot cup of tea.

 

Ingredients                                            Quantity                                  

 

Pavs/small Buns                                        : 5-6

To make vada/fritters:

Boiled potatoes                                          :3-4
Chopped onion                                          : 1/4 cup
Green chillies chopped                            : 1 tbsp
Grated garlic and ginger                          : 1/2 tbsp
Chopped Coriander  leaves                     : 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds ( rai )                                : 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder (haldi)                         : 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida (hing)                                      : 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves (kadi patta)                         : 6-7
Oil for frying

For the outer covering:
Bengal gram flour(Besan)                     :  1/2 cup
Rice powder                                             : 1 tbsp
Red chilli powder                                    : 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder (haldi)                       : 1/4 tsp
Baking soda                                              : a pinch
Salt to taste

Preparation Method :                                                                          

Making the vada/fritters: 

• Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them, keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan, crackle the mustard seeds, add the asafoetida , curry leaves and green chilli, sauté for a few seconds.
• Add Ginger garlic paste and turmeric , saute for few more seconds. Now add the chopped onions, saute till onion turn soft or light brown. U need not fry it.
• Add the mashed potatoes, chopped coriander leaves, turmeric powder and salt, mix well.
• Potatoes should get mixed properly with the masala.
• Remove from flame and let it cool.
• Divide into 6-7 equal balls/rounds.

For the outer covering :

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and make a batter using enough water. The consistency should that of idli batter. Should not be too thick nor too watery.
• Heat oil in a frying pan to fry the vadas/fritters.
• Dip each Potato balls into the batter such that the mixture gets coated properly and evenly on all sides.
• Deep fry in hot oil, till golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.

To make vada pav:

• From the centre of the pav, slice each pav into half.
• Place one vada in between the pav and serve immediately.

 Serve hot with hot tea or any chutney( such as green chutney or garlic chutney)

 

 

Tips:                                                                                                                     

• Normally vada pav is served with garlic coconut chutney spread on the pav and vada placed on top of with.
• One can even have it with slightly fried green salted chilli.