Aloo & Nariyal Ki Kachori Recipe (Pan Fried Farali Aloo Vada)
Introduction
The Aloo & Nariyal Ki Kachori (also known as Pan Fried Farali Aloo Vada) is a delectable and wholesome snack that is often prepared during religious fasts, particularly during festivals like Navratri, in India. These vadas, made with mashed potatoes, are stuffed with a delightful filling of fresh coconut, crunchy cashew nuts, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a balance of sweetness, spice, and richness. Perfect as a tea-time snack or appetizer, they can be served with coconut chutney or green chutney to enhance their flavors. A popular choice for celebrations, they offer a unique twist on the traditional Aloo Vada, making them perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and peeled | 4 |
| Arrowroot flour (or corn flour) | 4 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves, finely chopped | 1/3 cup |
| Green chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Cashew nuts, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali), crushed | 2 tablespoons |
| Sultana raisins, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Potato Mixture
Begin by mashing the boiled potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the arrowroot flour, salt, and cumin seeds to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly to combine. -
Make the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, finely chopped green chillies, grated ginger, lemon juice, sugar, chopped cashew nuts, crushed roasted peanuts, and chopped sultana raisins. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Use your hands to mix everything together, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. The stuffing should be fragrant and flavorful. -
Shape the Vadas
Take a small portion of the potato mixture and roll it into a lemon-sized ball. Grease your palms with a little oil and flatten the ball slightly with your fingertips. Spoon about one tablespoon of the coconut mixture into the center of the flattened potato ball. Carefully fold the edges of the potato around the stuffing and seal it, forming a round shape. Smoothen the surface to make a neat and even Farali Aloo Vada. -
Coat the Vadas
Dust the stuffed vadas lightly with dry arrowroot powder or cornflour to give them a crisp texture once cooked. -
Pan Fry the Vadas
Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan or any non-stick pan with a few drops of oil in each cavity. Once the pan is hot, place the stuffed Farali Aloo Vadas into the pan, making sure there is enough space between them. Cook the vadas on medium heat, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crisp, which should take around 8-10 minutes. -
Serve
Once cooked, remove the vadas from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve your freshly made Nariyal Ki Kachori (Farali Aloo Vada) hot, accompanied by coconut chutney or green chutney. These crispy vadas make an excellent snack for festivals like Navratri, or as appetizers at family gatherings, parties, or tea-time.
Tips and Variations:
- Healthier Version: For a lighter version, you can bake the vadas in the oven instead of frying them in oil. Simply brush them lightly with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Stuffing Variations: You can experiment with the stuffing by adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for an extra crunch and nutrition boost.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green chilies to suit your preferred level of spice. If you like a milder version, you can reduce or eliminate them altogether.
Enjoy these crispy, aromatic, and flavorful Aloo & Nariyal Ki Kachoris as a delightful treat during festive occasions or any time you crave a savory snack.
