Gajar Vadi Recipe – Maharashtrian Style Steamed Carrot Dumplings
Gajar Vadi is a delightful Maharashtrian snack made with gram flour, wheat flour, and spices, enhanced with the goodness of grated carrots for a healthier twist. These steamed carrot dumplings are perfect for a light snack or side dish and pair wonderfully with chutney and masala chai.
Ingredients:
For the Vadi (Carrot Dumplings):
- 2 cups Grated Carrot (Gajjar)
- 1-1/2 cups Gram flour (Besan)
- 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder (or adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder (Jeera)
- 2 tablespoons Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Salt, to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Rai / Kadugu)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vadi:
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrots in a bowl.
- In the same mixing bowl, add gram flour, wheat flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water to form a firm, smooth dough. Add little water at a time until you reach a soft consistency.
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Shape the Vadi:
- Lightly sprinkle water on the dough if needed and shape it into cylindrical rolls, approximately 6 inches long and 1-inch thick. Ensure the rolls are tightly packed to prevent them from splitting during boiling.
-
Steam the Vadi:
- In a saucepan, add enough water to submerge the rolls. Bring the water to a boil.
- Gently drop the rolls into the boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes on high heat to ensure they cook through.
- Once cooked, remove the rolls and let them rest for a few minutes to cool completely.
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Season the Vadi:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add asafoetida, curry leaves, green chillies, and sesame seeds. Stir well for about 30 seconds.
- Add the cooled Gajar Vadi into the seasoning and stir-fry for about a minute to coat the dumplings evenly with the tempering.
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Serve:
- Slice the Gajar Vadi into even-sized pieces or bite-sized chunks.
- Serve with Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (Coriander Mint Chutney) and Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea) for a perfect evening snack.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy Maharashtrian treat!
