Healthy Gajar Vadi (Carrot Vadi) – Maharashtrian Steamed Snack

Gajar Vadi (Carrot Vadi) Recipe

Description:
Gajar Vadi is a traditional Maharashtrian snack made with grated carrots, gram flour, wheat flour, and a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe is not only flavorful but also healthy, with the richness of carrots and a light, crispy texture that comes from the frying process.

Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

For Vadi:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1-1/2 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons curd (yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste

For Tempering:

• 2 teaspoons oil
• 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 green chili, finely chopped

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vadi mixture:
   Wash and peel the carrots, then grate them finely. Transfer the grated carrots into a bowl. Add gram flour, wheat flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, curd, lemon juice, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, adding a little water if necessary to form a soft, smooth dough.

2. Shape the Vadi:
   Sprinkle a little water on the dough and divide it into small portions. Shape each portion into a cylindrical roll, similar to a small log.

3. Cook the Vadi:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully drop the vadi rolls into the water and cook on high flame for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Remove the vadi from the water and set them aside to cool.

4. Temper the Vadi:
   In a pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle. Then, add the asafoetida, curry leaves, green chili, and sesame seeds. Sauté for about 30 seconds.

5. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooled vadi pieces into the tempering mixture and toss them well to coat. Once mixed, remove from heat.

6. Serving suggestion:
   Serve your delicious Gajar Vadi with Masala Chai or Ginger Tea as an ideal evening snack. Enjoy the crispy, savory treat!

This Gajar Vadi recipe is a perfect example of Maharashtrian comfort food, combining the goodness of vegetables and spices for a wholesome treat.