Rajasthani Mirchi Vada with Spicy Green Chutney

Rajasthani Mirchi Vada, a crispy, flavorful fritter stuffed with a spicy potato filling and served with a vibrant green chutney, is a street food staple in the vibrant state of Rajasthan. These bite-sized treats offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The potato filling, infused with a medley of aromatic spices, provides a soft and savory core, while the crispy exterior, made with a batter of gram flour, adds a satisfying crunch. The Spicy Green Chutney, vibrant and tangy, is the perfect accompaniment, adding a burst of freshness and heat to complement the richness of the Mirchi Vada.

In the heart of Rajasthan, where the sands of the Thar Desert meet the vibrant hues of its bustling cities, a culinary gem awaits discovery. Rajasthani Mirchi Vada, a beloved street food, is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Its origins are shrouded in the mists of time, but its popularity has endured, passed down through generations of Rajasthani families.In the kitchens of humble homes and bustling street stalls, the preparation of Mirchi Vada is a labor of love. It begins with carefully selecting the finest potatoes, boiled until tender and then deftly mashed. Green chilies, finely chopped, add a vibrant spiciness, while onion, ginger, and garlic provide a flavorful base. A symphony of spices – cumin, turmeric, red chili, and coriander – weaves its magic, infusing the potato mixture with an aromatic embrace.With deft hands, small balls are formed from the seasoned potato mixture, each one a promise of crispy delight. A batter of gram flour, salt, and water awaits, ready to envelop the potato balls in a golden embrace. The hot oil sizzles and crackles as the Mirchi Vada are gently dropped in, transforming from tender orbs into crispy, golden-brown fritters.The Spicy Green Chutney is an indispensable companion to the Mirchi Vada, adding a vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the fritters. Green chilies, mint leaves, coriander leaves, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt are blended together, creating a smooth, tangy sauce that bursts with freshness and heat.In the bustling streets of Rajasthan, Mirchi Vada is a ubiquitous delight, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling, paired with the vibrant tang of the Spicy Green Chutney, make it a street food legend that captures the essence of Rajasthani cuisine.

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

Ingredients

• Potatoes (3 medium)
• Green chilies (3-4)
• Onion (1 small)
• Ginger-garlic paste (1 tablespoon)
• Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Red chili powder (1 teaspoon)
• Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until soft and cooked.
2. Peel and mash the potatoes.
3. Add the chopped green chilies, onion, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the mashed potatoes.
4. Mix well and form small balls of the mixture.
5. To make the batter, mix together the gram flour, salt, and water to form a smooth batter.
6. Dip the potato balls into the batter and deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
7. Serve the Mirchi Vada hot with the Spicy Green Chutney.
8. To make the Spicy Green Chutney, blend together green chilies, mint leaves, coriander leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a little water to form a smooth chutney.

Why It Works

• The combination of soft, spiced potato filling and crispy gram flour batter creates a delightful contrast in textures.
• The medley of spices – cumin, turmeric, red chili, and coriander – infuses the potato filling with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• The Spicy Green Chutney, with its vibrant green color and tangy heat, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Mirchi Vada.
• Frying the Mirchi Vada in hot oil creates a crispy exterior that seals in the flavorful filling.