Batata Vada (Potato Balls in a Gram Flour Crust)

Its a common recipe in India, a family favourite

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  medium potatoes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  minced ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  minced garlic
• 1⁄4 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3  teaspoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon asafoetida powder, available in indian stores (optional)
•  salt

• Crust Batter

• 1  cup besan (chick pea flour available in indian stores)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
•  salt
•  water, to make a batter (pancake like)
•  oil, for fying

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes mash them.
2. add the ginger garlic, tumeric powder and cilantro and salt.
3. Heat 3 tsp on oil in a saucepan.
4. add the mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle (burst) then add the asefetida.
5. Pour the oil over the potatoes.
6. and mix it in well till blended.
7. Mix all the ingredients with the water.
8. divide the potato mix into 16 balls.
9. Heat the oil.
10. Dip the potatoes into the batter.
11. The batter should be thick enough to coat the potatoes nicely but not too thick.
12. Place the coated potatoes balls in the hot oil.
13. Fry till done (the coating will be a golden color with a reddish tinge).
14. Enjoy.