This Vrat wale Sabudana Vada is a popular fasting snack that is crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 2 Medium potatoes / sweet potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed completely
- 1/2 cup Roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
- 1–2 Green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 inch Ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp Sendha Namak (rock salt)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- Ghee or peanut oil for shallow frying
The Easy Method
1. Soak the Sabudana
Wash the sabudana under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak it in just enough water to cover the pearls (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup). Leave it for 4 to 6 hours. When ready, the pearls should press easily between your fingers without being mushy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the soaked sabudana, completely cooled mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chilies, ginger, sendha namak, black pepper, lemon juice and coriander leaves. Mix and bind everything together into a non-sticky, cohesive dough.
3. Shape the Vadas
Grease your palms with a little ghee or oil. Divide the mixture into equal portions, roll them into smooth balls and gently flatten them into patties. Keep the edges smooth and crack-free to prevent them from breaking while cooking.
4. Fry until Golden
Heat ghee or oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Carefully place the vadas into the pan. Fry them for 2–3 minutes until the bottom sets and turns golden, then flip and fry the other side. Cook until both sides are evenly crispy and golden brown.
Crispy Tip: Ensure the potatoes are completely cooled before mixing, and don't overcrowd the pan while frying, as this helps keep the vadas from turning soggy or absorbing too much oil! Serve hot with a fasting-friendly green chutney.
