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 lemon
Zest from one lime
½ cup coriander, chopped
1 red chilli, minced
1 green chilli, minced
½ cup spring onions, sliced finely
2 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon powder
¼ 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 grated
Salt to taste
Instant 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 water
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method
1. 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!)
2. Roll the potatoes into ping-pong sized balls and refrigerate for half an hour.
3. In a separate bowl make your batter and allow it to rest for twenty minutes.
4. Have a cup of tea.
5. Heat sunflower oil in a wok or deep pan.
6. 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.
7. 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 chopped
2 green chillies, halved
½ tsp cumin seeds
Juice of one lemon
Salt to taste
Sugar to taste
1 tbsp plain yogurt
¼ cup water
Then mix this with:
1 cup coconut, shredded
3 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).
Oraphan
Sunday 22nd of November 2009
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such lovely comments on my older posts. I just found them and you really made my day:)
P.S I'll come back to check out your older posts very soon.
Vibaas
Saturday 21st of November 2009
Thx for stopping by my blog and ur lovely comment, Sanjana.
Usha
Friday 20th of November 2009
The batata vadas look seriously tempting....reminds me I haven't had these in quite a while...sigh :-(
Dolly
Friday 20th of November 2009
Beautiful Presentation. This sounds like an exotic Batata Vada. Zest of lime,lemon, pomegranate seeds and spring onions. What more can you ask for. Will surely try your version.
Sanjana
Friday 20th of November 2009
Thank you so much everyone for your amazing, supportive comments!
Tasty Trix- So glad you wouldn't say sausage rolls! It would be a sin :D
Laura- So glad you liked them! When you feel like having them again the recipe will be here waiting for you! :)
SE(Denufood)- I didn't know that the extra spices etc were what differentiated these from maharashtrian beteta vada. Hey, I learned something new too! Thanks!
Cool Lassi(e)- Great! Let me know how they go down if you do make them for thanksgiving!
Kothiyavunu- Wow, I'm so jealous you got these at college... All I got in the college canteen was cheese pizza, pasta bake and salad (YAWN). :D Lucky you!
Meeso- So glad you enjoyed the recipe and pics! Let me know how they turn out if you decide to make them!
Gulmohar- You're very welcome :) Haha mircha bhajia= my dad's fave too!
Polka_Roo- So glad you enjoyed the recipe :) Thanks for your lovely comments!
Abraham- Thanks! I will check it out soon.
Kathy- Thank you for your sweet comment!
Kanchan- I totally agree- Potatoes make such great snack dishes!
Nandini- Thank you so much! And I think that any dish you sumbit from you blog would be perfect for the competition- your dishes are wonderful!!! Please do enter :D
Sushma- Thank you so much :D
Oraphan- Thank you for your sweet comments- I really appreciate them! Your blog is fabulous- I will be visiting you often!
Padhu- Thank you for your supportive words! I will surely stop by your blog :)
Stacy- Haha, if only it was closer!!! :D
Rohini- Aww, glad to be of assistance! Well now you know all about them and even have a recipe for them too! :D
Vidya and Nostaligia - Thank you both for your lovely comments!
Mae- Ahh thank you so much--- Lots of ingredients though, huh? ;) I told you, I could never just stick to three; I have no idea how you do it! :D And I'm glad you'll have a cup of tea too! wahey!
Mary- Thank you for your fantastic comments! They always provide great motivation!
Vrinda- Thank you for the lovely comment!! And thank you for following too- I really appreciate your support!
Sh...- Thank you for your support! Really kind of you to say those things :) And I'm glad you enjoy the recipes! I LOVE your recipes and the entries for the competition can be anything- from something totally unique to something you cook everyday but have added a little twist to! :) I would love for you to enter as I think your recipes are fantastic! If you really don't feel as if you want to enter then I maaaay let know where to acquire one ;)
Vibaas- Haha thank you! I'm glad you feel the same way!
Saint Bapu- I hope someone makes some for you! And maybe some HOT green chutney to go with them?!
Mr P- Golly gosh, whats this Curry Exchange? Sounds like soooo much fun! I can't wait to hear all about it. Thank you so much for the supportive comments! :D
Nutan J- Thanks for the lovely comments! I'm glad you all enjoyed them :) Now you have the recipe if you ever feel like eating them.