Kothimbir Vadi

A Maharashtrian delight , Kothimbir Vadi is essentially deep fried squares of a coriander and besan mixture which is first steamed and then cut into squares. You can choose to shallow fry instead of deep frying and also the size and thickness of the vadis is your choice. The end result is mouthwatering anyway !

Ingredients (makes about 30 medium thin squares)

2 cups chopped coriander leaves
3 cups besan
1 and 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon khus khus (poppy seeds)
1 teaspoon haldi powder
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
2 teaspoons salt
Pinch heeng
1/2 cup white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon crushed ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon oil plus extra for greasing

1. Mix all the ingredients together into a smooth batter

2. Leave for 15 minutes
3. Grease a deep thali or any other vessel and spread batter over it uniformly. Depending on the width of the thali you can make the entire batter in one lot or two separate batches
I used a small thali to fit into my steamer and made two separate batches, ending up with thin vadi pieces. If you want thick pieces then put all the batter in one go
4. Heat water in the steamer. Place thali on a stand in the steamer and steam with the lid shut for roughly 12-15 minutes , you can test with a fork or toothpick that will come out clean

5. Remove and cool
6. Cut into squares with a knife and remove from the thali, you can use a sharp spoon or the end of the spoon to remove the vadis

7. Fry the vadis till crisp and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fried sesame seeds and green chilli
9. Serve with green chutney