Homemade Vada Pav Recipe with Cheesy Aloo Vada

Introduction

Dive into the delightful world of Maharashtrian street food with this recipe for Homemade Vada Pav featuring a cheesy twist on the classic aloo vada. This mouthwatering dish combines spiced mashed potatoes enveloped in a crispy gram flour batter, all nestled within soft pav buns, making it an irresistible snack for any time of the day. The addition of melted cheese adds an exciting richness that elevates this beloved treat to new heights.

Ingredients

The following table outlines the ingredients needed for your Homemade Vada Pav with Cheesy Aloo Vada:

Nutritional Information

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4

Instructions

The journey to making your Homemade Vada Pav with Cheesy Aloo Vada begins with crafting the essential dry garlic chutney powder, which will add a robust flavor to your dish.

1. Prepare the Garlic Chutney Powder:
   In a preheated pan, add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil along with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds and 5 dry red chillies. Allow the sesame seeds to crackle before adding 1/4 cup of garlic cloves. Roast the garlic until the raw aroma dissipates, then mix in 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut and salt to taste. Roast this mixture until it turns a light golden brown, then remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, blend into a coarse powder and set aside.

2. Make the Vada Filling:
   In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Once hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them crackle. Follow this by adding 1 finely chopped onion, 1 inch of finely chopped ginger, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, 2 finely chopped green chillies, and 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida. Sauté until the onions soften and turn golden brown. Next, stir in the boiled and mashed potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, incorporate the chopped coriander leaves, stirring well before turning off the heat. Allow the potato mixture to cool before proceeding.

3. Prepare the Vada Batter:
   While the potato mixture is cooling, prepare the vada batter. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of gram flour, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of ajwain, and salt to taste. Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a thick, lump-free batter that coats the back of a spoon. Set aside.

4. Form the Vada:
   Grease your palms with a little oil. Take a large lemon-sized portion of the cooled potato mixture, flatten it, and place a few chopped cheese cubes in the center. Bring the edges together to seal and shape it into a small disc. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture to create cheese-filled vadas.

5. Fry the Vadas:
   Heat sunflower oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Dip each cheese-filled vada in the gram flour batter, coating it evenly, and gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, ensuring not to increase the heat too much, as this can result in uneven cooking. Once fried, drain the vadas on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

6. Toast the Pav Buns:
   To toast the pav buns, spread butter over each bun and place them on a preheated pan. Toast until they are slightly golden and crisp.

7. Assemble and Serve:
   To serve, smear some of the prepared garlic chutney on one slice of the toasted pav bun. Place the crispy vada between the buns, creating a delightful sandwich. Serve your Homemade Vada Pav with Cheesy Aloo Vada hot, accompanied by date and tamarind chutney, green chutney, and a cup of adrak chai (ginger tea) for the perfect snack experience.

Conclusion

This recipe for Homemade Vada Pav with Cheesy Aloo Vada is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of vibrant Maharashtrian cuisine. The combination of the crunchy, cheesy vada nestled in a soft bun, paired with flavorful chutneys, makes it a must-try for snack lovers. Enjoy this dish as a tea-time favorite or a satisfying evening snack, and relish the flavors of this street food classic right in your home!