Kothimbir Vadi

Kothimbir Vadi is a starter snack that is extremely popular among maharashtrians. It is found in many eateries that pride themselves in Marathi cuisine and there are not many even in Mumbai. What a shame. Yet they do get thronged for their speciality. Most times when friends ask for a typically marathi dish I make this and it is always a hit with them. It is made with abundant use of Cilantro which is called Kothimbir in marathi.

Ingredients

1 big bunch Cilantro

2 cups chickpea flour

1/4 cup peanuts coarse crushed

4-5 fine chopped green chilies

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/4 teaspoon asofeotida

1 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

First the preparation. Grease the steamer trays and keep aside. While getting the trays ready pour 2 glasses water in a large vessel. I use a big 12 liter pressure cooker as a steamer. Leave the water to boil with lid on.

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl with water to get a batter of pouring consistency. Pour the batter in the greased trays. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch. We have to leave space in the tray for it to rise a bit.

This stand is used for steaming all types of Vadis, Dhokla and Tatte idli.

If the water is now boiling and steam has collected put in the stand for steaming the batter for 20 mins with lid. If pressure cooker is used like I do then without the weight. After steaming the batter will set and rise a bit. The thickness of the steamed batter is a little more than the 1/4 inch we filled in the tray but not too puffed up.

Let it cool for 1/2 hr. and then cut up into large square pieces for the traditional feel or use cookie cutter to get the shape of your choice. Remove from the trays and save.

When you are ready to serve fry the cut outs in hot oil till golden to get nice crisp outside. Serve with dry garlic chutney or shengdane/ peanut chutney or for the kids ketchup.

Tip: When you expect a lot of guest this can be steamed and refrigerated and fried at the time of serving. So the guest get steaming hot Kothimbir Vadi.

All maharashtrians swear by it. I'm sure its OK for you to try a fried one once in a while. Khaoon tar paha you will hear a maharashtrian tell you when offering this vadi. Need I say more.

Updated: 15th Nov 08

I find many people come to this blog searching for Kothimbir Vadi and reach this page but they do see the second type so let me link it up.

Here is Kothimbir Vadi Type II