Authentic Vada Pav Recipe

Vada Pav, the quintessential street food of Mumbai, is a mouthwatering combination of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bun (pav). This popular snack is loved for its delicious flavors and affordability. It has become an iconic symbol of the bustling streets of Mumbai and has gained popularity across India. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing a Vada Pav with an authentic Vada Pav recipe, enabling you to savor the flavors of this delightful street food in your own kitchen. Also, read The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious Vada Pav:

For the Vada:

1. 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
2. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
3. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4. 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
5. 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
6. A handful of curry leaves, finely chopped
7. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
9. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10. Salt to taste
11. Oil for frying

For the Batter:

1. 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
2. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
3. 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
4. A pinch of baking soda
5. Salt to taste
6. Water for making the batter

For Assembling:

1. 4 pav buns
2. Green chutney
3. Tamarind chutney
4. Garlic chutney
5. Thinly sliced onions
6. Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Vada

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
3. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the mashed potatoes and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cook the potato mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Shaping and Frying the Vada

1. Divide the potato mixture into equal-sized balls and shape them into patties.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare the batter by combining chickpea flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water to make a smooth and thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat for frying.
4. Dip each potato patty into the batter, ensuring it is coated evenly, and carefully drop it into the hot oil.
5. Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Assembling the Vada Pav

1. Slit the pav buns horizontally, but not all the way through, keeping one side intact.
2. Spread a generous amount of green chutney and tamarind chutney on the inner sides of the pav buns.
3. Sprinkle a little garlic chutney over the chutney layer, adjusting the amount according to your spice preference.
4. Place a hot vada in each pav bun. Gently press the buns to ensure the vada is well-enclosed within the pav.
5. Garnish with thinly sliced onions and fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and texture.
6. Serve the hot and delicious Vada Pav immediately with extra chutney on the side for dipping.