The Perfect Recipe for Making Vada Pav | Healthy and Delicious
Vada Pav is an iconic Indian street food, originating in the state of Maharashtra. It consists of a savory potato fritter (the Vada) sandwiched between two slices of bread (the Pav). The dish has become popular all over India and beyond for its unique combination of flavors and textures. Traditionally, the Vadas are made with boiled mashed potatoes mixed with spices, herbs and green chillies. They are then coated in a mixture of chickpea flour, rice flour and other ingredients before being deep-fried until crisp. The Pav or bun is usually lightly toasted before adding chutneys and condiments as desired by the customer. This delicious snack offers a delightful balance between spicy notes from the Vadas combined with sweet notes from sauces such as tamarind chutney or garlic chutney that typically accompany it.
Vada Pav
Ingredients
For Potato Filling (Vada):
- 2 large potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
- 3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 10 curry leaves
- 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- Chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Oil for deep frying
For the Pav:
- Whole wheat burger buns
- Olive oil for toasting
For Batter:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- A pinch of baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For the Green Chutney:
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water for blending
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Then, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add mashed potatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and
- cook for a few minutes. Add chopped coriander leaves and remove from heat.
- Let the potato mixture cool down a bit. Then, shape it into small round or oval patties.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the batter by mixing gram flour, baking soda, salt, and water to make a smooth, thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Dip each potato patty in the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and carefully slide it into the hot oil. Fry until the vadas turn golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Slice the pav buns into halves and lightly toast them with butter or oil on a griddle until they turn golden brown.
- To assemble, spread garlic chutney or green chutney on one side of the pav bun. Place a vada inside the bun.
- You can also serve fried green chilies or more chutney on the side for extra heat and flavor.
Notes
Additional Tips:
1. You can customize the spiciness by adjusting the number of green chilies and the amount of red chili powder in the potato filling. 2. If you prefer a softer texture, you can slightly mash the potato mixture. 3. Use fresh and soft pav buns for the best taste and texture. 4. If you want to make it even more special, add some fried garlic, crushed peanuts, or sev for extra crunch.Assembling the Healthy Vada Pav:
1. Slice the whole wheat burger buns in half. 2. Apply the green chutney on the inner sides of the buns. 3. Place a Vada patty between the buns. 4. Toast the Vada Pav on a hot griddle with a touch of olive oil until it’s crisp and lightly browned. 5. Serve hot with additional green chutney and a side of mixed greens or lemon sliceConclusion:
In conclusion, Vada Pav is a quintessential Indian street food known for its spicy potato filling and soft pav buns. Making Vada Pav at home allows you to customize the flavors and spice levels to suit your preferences. With a few simple ingredients and a little effort, you can recreate the delightful taste of this beloved street snack in your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack or as a complete meal, Vada Pav is a flavorful and satisfying treat that captures the essence of Indian street food culture. So, go ahead and try your hand at making this delectable dish, and savor the authentic taste of Vada Pav in the comfort of your home.
FAQs
1. Is this healthy Vada Pav suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Vada Pav recipe is entirely vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
2. Can I adjust the spice level in the green chutney?
Certainly! You can add or reduce the number of green chilies to suit your spice preference.
3. What can I serve with healthy Vada Pav as a side dish?
Mixed greens, cucumber slices, or even a light salad make excellent side dishes to complement the Vada Pav.
4. Why Vada Pav is famous in Mumbai?
Vada Pav is famous in Mumbai because it’s a quick, affordable, and delicious street food that caters to the diverse and fast-paced lifestyle of the city’s residents. It’s often referred to as Mumbai’s own burger and has become an iconic part of the local culinary culture.