Creating a Vada Pav that truly delights requires precision in both the preparation and ingredients. Here’s a detailed recipe for making Vada Pav for four people, with measurements in grams for accuracy.

Ingredients:

For the Vada:

• Potatoes: 400 grams, boiled and mashed
• Mustard seeds: 5 grams
• Cumin seeds: 5 grams
• Garlic paste: 10 grams
• Ginger paste: 10 grams
• Green chilies: 5 grams, finely chopped
• Curry leaves: 5 grams, roughly chopped
• Turmeric powder: 3 grams
• Salt: to taste
• Coriander leaves: 15 grams, chopped
• Lemon juice: 10 ml (about 2 teaspoons)
• Oil: For frying

For the Batter:

• Gram flour (Besan): 200 grams
• Turmeric powder: 2 grams
• Red chili powder: 3 grams
• Salt: to taste
• Baking soda: 1 gram
• Water: Approximately 100-120 ml to make a thick batter

For Assembly:

• Pav (bread rolls): 8
• Green chutney: 40 grams
• Garlic chutney: 40 grams
• Tamarind chutney: 40 grams (optional)
• Fried green chilies: 4

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vada Filling:

• Heat 20 grams of oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
• Add chopped green chilies, curry leaves, ginger, and garlic paste. Sauté for a few seconds until the raw smell goes away.
• Add turmeric and salt, followed by the mashed potatoes. Mix well.
• Cook for a few minutes, then turn off the heat. Add chopped coriander and lemon juice, then mix well.
• Allow the mixture to cool, then form into 8 equal-sized balls.

2. Prepare the Batter:

• In a bowl, mix the gram flour, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and baking soda.
• Gradually add water and whisk to a smooth, lump-free batter.

3. Fry the Vadas:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
• Dip each potato ball in the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
• Carefully drop the coated balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Assemble the Vada Pav:

• Slit each pav horizontally without cutting through completely.
• Spread green chutney on one side and tamarind chutney on the other side of the pav. Sprinkle some garlic chutney inside.
• Place a hot vada in the middle of each pav.
• Serve with fried green chilies.

This Vada Pav recipe captures the essence of this beloved Maharashtrian street food. Enjoy making it for a delicious snack or a casual meal!