Ingredients
For the Potato Filling:
4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
A handful of curry leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Chopped coriander leaves
For the Gram Flour Batter:
1 cup gram flour (besan)
A pinch of baking soda
Salt to taste
Water, as needed
For Assembling:
Pav (Indian bread rolls)
Green chutney
Tamarind chutney
Garlic chutney
Thin slices of onion
Coriander leaves for garnish
Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Potato Filling:
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add turmeric powder.
Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
Add mashed potatoes, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
2. Gram Flour Batter:
In a bowl, mix gram flour, baking soda, and salt. Add water gradually to form a smooth, thick batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
3. Making Vada:
Take a portion of the potato filling and shape it into a round or oval vada.
Heat oil in a pan for frying.
Dip each vada in the gram flour batter, ensuring it’s well coated.
Carefully drop it into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
4. Assembling:
Slit the pav without cutting it into two separate parts.
Spread garlic chutney on one side and green chutney on the other.
Place a hot vada in the center and press the pav gently to assemble.
Serve hot with additional chutneys on the side, along with sliced onions and coriander leaves.
In every bite of Vada Pav, there is a celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage and the diversity that defines its street food. The amalgamation of flavors, the crunch of the gram flour coating, and the softness of the pav create a sensory experience that transcends culinary boundaries. As we savor the quintessential Vada Pav, we not only relish a delicious treat but also partake in a cultural journey that connects us to the heart and soul of Mumbai’s bustling streets. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most cherished recipes emerge from the simplest ingredients, turning a street-side snack into a national treasure.