Vada Pav Recipe: Mumbai’s Iconic Spicy Potato Fritter Burger

 Authentic Vada Pav Recipe: Mumbai’s Iconic Spicy Potato Fritter Burger

Vada Pav is the quintessential street food of Mumbai, loved by locals and visitors alike for its spicy, savory, and comforting flavors. This iconic Mumbai burger consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) served inside a soft bread roll (pav) with chutneys and fried green chilies. In this recipe, we'll guide you through making Vada Pav from scratch, ensuring you get an authentic taste of Mumbai’s street food scene.

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Ingredients:

For the Vada (Potato Fritter):

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Batter:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)

For Serving:

• Pav (bread rolls)
• Green chutney
• Tamarind chutney
• Fried green chilies (optional)
• Chopped onions (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vada Filling:

1. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.

2. Add Spices: Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, and salt to taste. Stir for a few seconds to release the spices' aromas. 

   
   
   

3. Combine with Potatoes: Add the mashed potatoes and mix thoroughly with the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

2. Shape the Vada:

1. Form Patties: Once the potato mixture has cooled, divide it into equal portions and shape them into small balls or patties.

3. Prepare the Batter:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of gram flour, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and salt to taste.

2. Add Water: Gradually add water to the gram flour mixture, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter. 

   
   
   

4. Fry the Vada:

1. Heat Oil: Heat enough oil for deep frying in a pan or wok over medium heat.

2. Dip and Fry: Dip each potato patty into the batter, ensuring it's well-coated. Carefully slide the coated patty into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Assemble the Vada Pav:

1. Prepare Pav: Slice the pav bread rolls horizontally, but not all the way through, so they remain connected at one side.

2. Add Chutneys: Spread green chutney and tamarind chutney on the inside of each pav roll.

3. Add Vada: Place a hot vada inside the pav roll.

4. Garnish: Optionally, top with chopped onions and a fried green chili for extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Vada Pav hot, with extra chutneys on the side if desired. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a hearty meal.

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Tips for Perfect Vada Pav: 

• Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the vadas but not too thick. It should be smooth and slightly runny.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat while frying to ensure the vadas cook evenly and become crispy without burning.
• Chutneys: Adjust the amount of green and tamarind chutneys based on your taste preferences. You can also add a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra zing.

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Enjoy the taste of Mumbai right at home with this step-by-step guide to making the perfect Vada Pav. This delicious snack is sure to transport you to the vibrant streets of Mumbai with every bite!