| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Maharashtra |
| Dish details | |
| Main ingredient(s) | potatoes |
Batata Vada is a popular Indian vegetarian fast food in Maharashtra, India. It literally means potato fritters. The name "Batata" means potato in English. It consists of a potato mash patty coated with chick pea flour, then deep-fried and served hot with savory condiments called Chutney. The vada is a sphere, around two or three inches in diameter.
Although Maharashtrian in origin, Batata Vada is gaining popularity in the rest of India as well.[1]
The potato filling and the batter used to coat the filling are the only two components of batata vada.
The potatoes are boiled, mashed coarsely and kept aside. Vegetable oil is heated in a pan and ingredients like asafoetida, mustard seeds, chillies, onions, curry leaves are added and fried for a couple of minutes till onions are translucent. Then, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, salt are added and fried for a few seconds. The mashed potatoes are then added to this mixture and cooked further for a few minutes.
A thick batter is made using chick pea flour, seasoned with salt, turmeric and red chilli powder. Sometimes baking soda is also added in a small quantity to make the batter fluffier. To make the fritters, little balls of the potato mixture is coated in the batter and deep-fried in a couple inches of hot vegetable oil.
Batata vada is typically served very hot with green chillies and chutneys of various types. The most common way to eat it though is in form of Vada pav.[2]