🍔🌶️ How to Make Mumbai-Style Vada Pav at Home | Spicy Potato Slider Recipe

Vada Pav is Mumbai’s most beloved street food — a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between soft pav bread, served with garlic chutney and fried green chilies. It’s India’s answer to the burger and packs a punch of flavor in every bite! Let’s recreate the magic of the Mumbai streets in your kitchen with this simple, authentic recipe.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Potato Filling (Batata Vada):

• 3 medium potatoes (boiled & mashed)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1–2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 7–8 curry leaves (optional)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

For the Batter:

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed (to make thick batter)

For the Garlic Chutney:

• 6–8 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp dry coconut (desiccated or grated)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp oil

Other:

• 6 pav buns
• Oil for deep frying
• Fried green chilies (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Filling

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add cumin seeds, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves.
3. Add turmeric, then the mashed potatoes and salt. Mix well.
4. Stir in chopped coriander. Let it cool, then shape into lemon-sized balls.

Step 2: Make the Besan Batter

1. In a bowl, mix besan, turmeric, salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
2. Add water slowly to form a thick, lump-free batter.

Step 3: Fry the Vadas

1. Heat oil in a deep pan.
2. Dip each potato ball in the batter and coat evenly.
3. Deep fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make Dry Garlic Chutney

1. Grind garlic, coconut, chili powder, salt, and a little oil into a coarse powder.

Step 5: Assemble the Vada Pav

1. Slice pav buns horizontally (do not cut fully).
2. Spread garlic chutney on both sides of the pav.
3. Place a hot vada in between. Press gently.
4. Serve with fried green chilies on the side.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Best enjoyed hot with masala chai or cutting chai.
• Add green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney for more layers of flavor.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Use fresh pav or lightly toast them with butter for extra flavor.
• You can prepare the potato filling and chutney ahead of time.
• Always fry the vadas on medium flame for even cooking.