Vada Pav Recipe

Vada Pav is a popular street food from Mumbai, India, often referred to as the "Indian burger." It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bread roll (pav) and is typically served with a variety of chutneys and sometimes a fried green chili. Known for its flavorful and spicy kick, Vada Pav is a beloved snack enjoyed by people of all ages.

  Ingredients:

**For the Vada (Potato Fritters):**

- Potatoes: 4 large, boiled and mashed

- Green chilies: 2, finely chopped

- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated

- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

- Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon

- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

- Curry leaves: 8-10

- Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped

- Salt: to taste

- Oil: 2 tablespoons (for tempering)

- Oil: for deep frying

**For the Batter:**

- Gram flour (besan): 1 cup

- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon

- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon

- Baking soda: a pinch

- Salt: to taste

- Water: as needed

- Pav buns: 8

- Green chutney: 1/2 cup

- Tamarind chutney: 1/2 cup

- Dry garlic chutney: 1/2 cup

- Butter: as needed

1. **Prepare the Potato Filling:**

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.

   - Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute.

   - Add turmeric powder and mashed potatoes. Mix well.

   - Add salt to taste and chopped coriander leaves. Mix everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

   - Once cooled, divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round balls.

2. **Prepare the Batter:**

   - In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, baking soda, and salt.

   - Gradually add water to make a smooth, thick batter.

3. **Fry the Vadas:**

   - Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

   - Dip each potato ball into the gram flour batter, ensuring it is well coated.

   - Carefully drop the batter-coated balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. **Assemble the Vada Pav:**

   - Slice the pav buns in half and lightly toast them with butter on a hot pan.

   - Spread green chutney, tamarind chutney, and dry garlic chutney on the inside of the buns.

   - Place a hot vada (potato fritter) inside each bun.

   - Press the buns slightly to hold the vada in place.

5. **Serve:**

   - Serve the vada pav hot with extra chutneys on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy Vada Pav, a popular street food from Mumbai!