Multigrain Kakdi Vada

Kakdi or Cucumber as all of you know is one vegetable that has a wonderful aroma. In Thal we get these huge cucumbers that resemble gourds. These are the cucumbers that are used traditionally for Vadas. The traditional vadas are made with just rice flour. I decided to try a multigrain vada with grated cucumber. The idea was a hit. They tasted so satiating especially after a work week of simple food. These vadas are crispy and extremely aromatic.

In Thal these big cucumbers are not home grown but are brought in from nearby villages of Poynad, Shahbaz and the hills of Karnala. These areas are the cucumber growing areas in Alibag Taluka. The women from these areas come to Thal to trade their produce with the Kolis. These cucumbers are exchanged in barter with fish. Koli women too go to these villages to trade fish. These Kakdi vadas are paired with a bean or pea curry for a vegetarian combo and with Kolim (baby shrimps stir fry) for a non veg combo.

Ingredients

1 thick grated cucumber
2-3 green chilies chopped fine
2 handfuls cilantro
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 cup of different millet flours (ragi, bajra, jowar)
1 cup chickpea flour
salt to taste

Oil to fry

Mix all ingredients together. Do not use any water. As one kneads the cucumber releases enough water to knead the dough into a ball. On a plastic sheet shape the vadas with a lemon sized ball of the dough with a hole in the center. Heat oil and fry the vadas in it. The vadas should be fried untill red on medium heat. Drain on absorbent paper.

Serve hot with ketchup or curd.

My word : Its a sumptious breakfast.