Best Batata Vada

Batata Vada is a popular street food of Mumbai in India. ‘Batata’ means potato and ‘Vada’ means fried snack, hence it’s calls Batata Vada. These are deep fried rounded potato balls coated in gram flour batter, also called potato dumpling fritters.

The recipe for batata vada may be different and vary from region to region depending on spices and ingredients used.

Vada Pau is best enjoyed when they are served hot dry garlic chutney, fried green chilies over a cup of masala chai as an evening snack.

Ingredients for Vada

• 4 boiled and mashed potatoes

Ingredients for Tempering

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 7–8 curry leaves
• 2 chopped green chilies (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoon oil
• Salt as required
• Handful of chopped coriander

Ingredients for the batter

• 2 cups gram flour
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1.5 cups water or as required
• Pinch of baking soda (optional)
• Salt as required

Oil for deep frying

Method for Batata Vada

For Tempering

• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and let it splutter. Add ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder and fry it for a few seconds till fragrant.
• Add in the mashed potatoes, salt, coriander and mix well till combined.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes.
• Once done, set aside and let it cool.

For the batter

• Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, add all ingredients for the batter. Mix well to make a thick yet flowing batter. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of gram flour if the batter becomes thin. If the batter becomes thick, then add 1 or 2 tablespoons water to adjust the consistency accordingly.

For the vada

• Take a portion of the potato mixture and make medium sized round balls between your palms. Should make around 10 -12 medium size vadas.
• Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai. To test if hot, add a few drops of the batter, when it start bubbling and floating, the oil is hot and ready to fry the vadas.
• Dip the potato balls in the batter, coat it evenly and deep fry. Add 4–5 at a time and do not over crowd the pan. Fry on medium to high flame till they turn golden and crispy. Remove on a kitchen absorbent when done.
• Delicious homemade Batata Vada is ready!! Serve hot with pau and chutneys and enjoy!! And don’t forget the fried green chilies!!!

Batata Vada Recipe