It’s a fact. Gujarati’s can’t get enough of these crispy, spicy, soft little things! My recipe is one we traditionally make at home. I love the deep aromatic blend of citrus, chilli, coriander, ginger and cinnamon which is balanced with a delicate sweetness. Bateta Vada are really popular at parties and are great for snacking; you know they’ve gone down well when you’re left with an empty platter which had stacked a hundred of them! This is usually the case at our house. For this reason, I think they are perfect for Christmas get-togethers. A party snack filled with cinnamon spiced mashed potatoes and then deep fried in a crispy batter- What more could you want? (Please don’t say sausage rolls). If you like mashed potatoes you’re going to love these (because they’re way better!) Ingredients for the potato mixture 2 cups potatoes, boiled and mashed roughly (try to use the floury kind of potato)Zest and juice from one lemonZest from one lime½ cup coriander, chopped1 red chilli, minced1 green chilli, minced½ cup spring onions, sliced finely2 tbsp ginger, minced2 tbsp sugar1 tsp cinnamon powder¼ cup pomegranate seeds (I used them because they’re in season at the moment but if you can’t get any then you can always substitute pomegranates with the same amount of reconstituted golden sultanas)¼ cup carrots, finely gratedSalt to tasteInstant mashed potato powder (if required) Sunflower oil to deep fry For the Batter Mix together… 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)1/3 cup rice flour (or self raising flour)1 ½ cups cold water1 tbsp lemon juiceSalt to taste Method
- Mix together all of the ingredients for the spiced potatoes. Simple. I made it even simpler by using my wonderful, fantastic chilli chopper for the ginger, chillies and coriander. You should use yours too! If you don’t have one then I suggest you enter my Create for a Chilli Chopper competition for a chance to win one!
Try to make a soft, not sticky mouldable mixture with the potatoes. If your mixture is too moist add some instant mashed potato powder (sometimes it’s easier to cheat!)
Roll the potatoes into ping-pong sized balls and refrigerate for half an hour.
In a separate bowl make your batter and allow it to rest for twenty minutes.
Have a cup of tea.
Heat sunflower oil in a wok or deep pan.
Dip the potato balls in the batter mixture and quickly and CAREFULLY drop them into the hot oil. Fry on a medium heat until golden brown all over.
Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Coconut and Coriander Chutney Blend together: 1 cup coriander, roughly chopped2 green chillies, halved ½ tsp cumin seedsJuice of one lemonSalt to tasteSugar to taste 1 tbsp plain yogurt¼ cup water Then mix this with: 1 cup coconut, shredded3 tbsp natural yogurt For the vaghar (tempering of spices): Heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a small pan and add 1 tsp cumin seeds, ¼ tsp asafoetida and 5-6 curry leaves. Pour this over the chutney and mix in a little. Grab your bateta vada and munch like a Gujarati! When I make these I often have some batter left over, if you find that you do too then raid your fridge for any veggies, dip them and fry them. In Gujarati these are called Bhajia (pronounced: bHuhJ-YA).
Share this recipe
