Vada pav is a popular street food in Mumbai, India. It is also known as the Indian burger due to its similarity to the American fast food classic. The dish consists of a potato fritter known as a vada, served inside a soft, round bun called pav. It is typically accompanied by a range of chutneys and spices, which vary depending on the vendor.
History: The dish has its roots in Maharashtra, where it was first sold on the streets of Mumbai in the 1960s. It quickly became popular among the city’s working class as a cheap and filling meal. Over time, vada pav has become a ubiquitous part of Mumbai’s street food scene and is now enjoyed throughout India and in Indian restaurants around the world.
Recipe: To make vada pav, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- Water as needed
- Oil for deep frying
- 4-5 pav buns
- Green chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- Garlic chutney
- Finely chopped onions and coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until they are soft and easy to mash. Peel and mash them in a mixing bowl.
- Add the green chilies, ginger paste, garlic paste, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, lemon juice, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chickpea flour with enough water to form a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Make small balls from the potato mixture and dip each one into the chickpea batter.
- Carefully lower the potato balls into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain.
- Cut the pav buns in half and heat them on a griddle until they are lightly toasted.
- Spread green chutney on one half of the bun and tamarind chutney on the other.
- Place one or two vadas in the center of the bun and sprinkle some finely chopped onions and coriander leaves on top.
- Serve hot with some garlic chutney on the side.
Variations: Vada pav is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some variations you can try:
- Cheese vada pav: Add a slice of cheese to the vada before placing it in the bun.
- Schezwan vada pav: Add a spoonful of Schezwan sauce to the vada mixture for a spicy twist.
- Masala vada pav: Add some chopped green bell peppers and onions to the potato mixture for added flavor.
- Egg vada pav: Top the vada with a fried egg before serving.
Conclusion: Vada pav is a delicious and satisfying snack that is loved by millions of people in India and beyond. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients make it an easy dish to prepare at home, and its versatility means that you can experiment with different flavors and textures to create your perfect version. So next time you’re looking for a tasty and convenient snack, give vada pav a try!
