Kothimbir Vadi

 

Kothimbir Vadi: The Crispy Maharashtrian Delight

If you love crispy, spiced snacks, Kothimbir Vadi is a must-try! This traditional Maharashtrian dish is a delicious combination of fresh coriander (kothimbir), besan (gram flour), and aromatic spices. It is first steamed to lock in flavors and then pan-fried or deep-fried to crispy perfection. Serve it as an evening snack with chai or as a side dish with a full meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crunchy & Flavorful – A perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, spiced interiors.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick cooking process.
✔ Healthy Option – Can be pan-fried instead of deep-fried for a lighter version.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• ¼ cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for softness)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, hing, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix well.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil. Gradually add water to form a thick, sticky dough.

Step 2: Steam the Vadi

1. Grease a plate or steaming tray with oil.
2. Transfer the dough to the plate and spread it evenly.
3. Steam for about 15-20 minutes or until firm. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
4. Let it cool, then cut into square or diamond-shaped pieces.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

1. Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying (or deep frying for extra crispiness).
2. Fry the vadis on medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

🍋 Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
☕ Pair with a hot cup of chai for a perfect evening snack.
🔥 Sprinkle some chaat masala for an extra kick!

Pro Tips

✅ For extra crispiness, deep-fry instead of shallow frying.
✅ For a healthier version, skip frying and directly temper with mustard seeds and sesame seeds.
✅ Make-ahead friendly, store steamed vadis in the fridge and fry when needed.

Kothimbir Vadi is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavors of coriander in a crispy, savory snack. Try this easy recipe, and let us know how it turns out in the comments!