Cilantro Fritters (Maharashtrian Kothimbir Vadi)

Mumbai’s street foods are among the most popular in the world. I first got introduced to Cilantro Fritters or Kothimbir Vadi, as is popularly known in Maharashtra, as I was exploring some of the delicious assortment of snacks and street foods you get to relish in Mumbai, and I instantly fell in love with it! Kothimbir Vadi is a crispy fritter on the outside and soft and munchy inside. It is a savory and tangy delicacy with a zing of cilantro that simply delights one’s senses. 🤤😋 The fritters are made using cilantro (coriander leaves) and chickpea flour (besan). It is a favorite Maharashtrian snack served as a side with meals or as an evening snack along with hot masala chai (spiced tea). Try out this simple, yet mouthwatering and healthy snack and don’t be surprised if you fell in love with it! 😉

Cilantro Fritters (Maharashtrian Kothimbir Vadi)

Print Recipe

By Malini Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 mins Cooking Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1. Finely Chopped Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) - 2 cups
• 2. Chickpea Flour (Besan) - 1 cup
• 3. Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 tsp
• 4. Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
• 5. Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
• 6. Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
• 7. Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
• 8. Sesame Seeds - 1 tsp
• 9. Garam Masala Powder - 1/4 tsp
• 10. Lemon Juice - 1 tsp
• 11. Salt to taste
• 12. Water - 1/4 cup, or as required
• 13. Oil to fry

Instructions

1

In a large mixing bowl, add finely chopped cilantro and chickpea flour. Crush / squeeze the leaves and mix well with the flour.

2

Now add ginger-garlic paste, all the spices, salt, sesame seeds and lemon juice and combine the entire mixture well.

3

Slowly add water as required and begin kneading to a soft dough.

4

Greasing hands with oil, shape the dough to a cylindrical form.

5

Now, steam the dough for 15-20 minutes.

6

Once the dough is cooled, cut it into thick bite sized slices / squares.

7

Now, deep or shallow fry the slices in hot oil till the vadi turns crisp and golden brown.

8

Your tasty Cilantro Fritters (Kothimbir Vadi) are now ready to serve garnished with chopped cilantro leaves and hot masala chai.

Notes

Tips:
1) Pat dry the cilantro leaves, else it will consume more flour to prepare the dough.
2) Keep in mind that the ratio of cilantro and chickpea flour should be 2:1.
3) Mint Chutney and Sweet Tamarind Chutney serve as a great dip for the Cilantro Fritters (Kothimbir Vadi).