Vada Pav

vada_pav

Vada pav is a popular street food snack in India that originated in the state of Maharashtra. It is a savory snack that consists of a spiced potato fritter (known as vada) that is sandwiched between a soft bread roll (known as pav). The dish is often served with a side of chutney and green chilies.

The origins of vada pav can be traced back to the 1960s in Mumbai, where street vendors would serve the snack to the working-class population. It soon became a popular food item among the locals, and today it is enjoyed throughout the country, as well as in some parts of the world where Indian cuisine is available.

The preparation of vada pav requires a few key ingredients, including potatoes, bread rolls, besan (gram flour), spices, and chutney. The bread rolls used for vada pav are soft and often have a slightly sweet flavor. These are readily available at most Indian grocery stores, but may also be easily substituted with burger buns or dinner rolls.

The filling of the vada is made by boiling potatoes and then mashing them with a blend of spices, including turmeric, mustard seeds, and chili powder. The mashed potatoes are then formed into small rounds and coated with besan and then deep-fried until they are golden brown.

The chutney used in vada pav is typically made from a blend of coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chilies. The mixture is ground to a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender.

To assemble the vada pav, a bread roll is sliced through the middle and spread with the chutney. A hot and crispy vada is then placed inside the roll, and the two halves are pressed together to create a sandwich.

Vada pav is not only delicious but also serves as a quick and easy meal or snack. It is a popular street food item that is often eaten on the go, making it a great option for those who are looking for a quick and convenient meal.

In conclusion, vada pav is a beloved street food snack in India that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Its crispy and flavorful filling, sandwiched between a soft bread roll, makes it the perfect option for those seeking a hearty snack or quick meal on the go. Its popularity has spread throughout the country, and today it is considered one of India’s favorite street foods.

Ingredients:

For the vada:

  • 3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the pav:

  • 4 pav buns
  • 4 tablespoons dry garlic chutney
  • 4 tablespoons green cilantro chutney
  • Butter for toasting the buns

For garnishing:

  • Finely chopped onions
  • Finely chopped cilantro
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with all spices until well combined.

  2. In a separate bowl, make a smooth batter using chickpea flour, water, and salt. The batter should not be too thick or too thin.

  3. Heat oil in a pan for frying the vadas. Make small rounds from the potato mixture and dip them in the chickpea batter.

  4. Deep fry the vadas until they turn golden brown in color. Keep them aside.

  5. Cut the pav buns horizontally into two halves. Melt butter in a pan and toast the pav buns.

  6. On the bottom half of the pav bun, spread some dry garlic chutney and green cilantro chutney.

  7. Place one vada on each pav bun and cover it with the other half.

  8. Serve hot vada pav sandwich garnished with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and lemon wedges.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vada pav!