Sago-Potato Vada (Tapioca Rounds)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Yield: 24 pieces
Description:
From the cookbook ‘Recipes with a Spice – Indian Cuisine for Balanced Nutrition’, Sago or sabudana is derived from tapioca and is commonly used during fasting periods when cereals are avoided. It serves as a versatile replacement for rice and flour in various dishes. These crispy patties are best served hot; if reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 to 10 minutes until warm and crisp.
Ingredients:
- Tapioca (Sabudana): 3/4 cup
- Potatoes: 4, boiled and mashed
- Peanuts: 1/4 cup, crushed
- Green Chili Pepper: 1, finely chopped
- Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
- Mango Powder (Amchur): 1 tsp
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, or to taste
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 piece):
- Calories: 53.3
- Total Fat: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.1g
Instructions:
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Rinse and soak the sabudana in 1 cup of water for about 30 minutes until soft. Drain excess liquid.
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Peel and mash the boiled potatoes thoroughly.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, chopped green chili pepper, coriander powder, mango powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Form small round disks (vadas) from the mixture.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Carefully place as many vadas as can fit in a single layer in the skillet. Fry them, turning often to ensure even cooking, until they turn golden brown.
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Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady frying temperature. Repeat until all vadas are fried.
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Drain the fried vadas on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Serve the sago-potato vadas hot with your favorite chutney.
Healthy Alternative:
For a healthier option, shape the mixture into thicker patties (about 1/2 inch thick) and pan-fry them with minimal oil until crisp and golden brown on both sides.
This recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer, especially during fasting periods or as part of a vegetarian meal. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference and enjoy these crispy, flavorful vadas with your family and friends!
