Vada Pav

Vada pav is a vegetarian fast food dish native to the Indian state of Maharashtra. It consists of a deep-fried potato patty (vada) placed inside a bread bun (pav) and served with a variety of chutneys and toppings. Vada pav is a popular street food in India and is often sold from small stalls and carts.

The origins of vada pav are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the city of Mumbai in the early 20th century. The dish is said to have been created by a street vendor who was looking for a way to make a quick and affordable meal for his customers. The vendor began by frying potato patties and placing them inside bread buns. He then added a variety of chutneys and toppings to the sandwiches, and the vada pav was born.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Potatoes (3 medium)
• Chana Dal (1/2 cup)
• Ginger-Green Chilies Paste (1 tablespoon)
• Coriander Leaves (1/4 cup)
• Turmeric Powder (1/4 teaspoon)
• Red Chili Powder (1/4 teaspoon)
• Cumin Seeds (1/4 teaspoon)
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes and then mash them.
2. Soak the chana dal for 30 minutes and then grind it into a coarse paste.
3. Add the mashed potatoes, chana dal paste, ginger-green chilies paste, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder and cumin seeds to a bowl.
4. Mix well and then form into small patties.
5. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until golden brown.
6. Slit the buns and place a patty inside each one.
7. Add chutney and sev to taste and serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of the soft, fluffy bun and the crispy, flavorful potato patty is irresistible.
• The chutneys and toppings add a variety of flavors and textures to the sandwich, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Vada pav is a relatively inexpensive dish to make, making it a popular option for street food vendors and budget-minded diners.