Vegetarian Koliwada Recipe - A Mumbai Street Food Delight

Introduction: 

Vegetarian Koliwada, inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Mumbai, brings the zesty and flavorful taste of Koliwada cuisine to your home. Originating from the Koli community, known for their love of seafood, this vegetarian version is a spicy and crispy delight that captures the essence of Mumbai's culinary diversity. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to prepare a mouthwatering Vegetarian Koliwada that's perfect for a snack or appetizer.

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Ingredients:

For the Vegetarian Koliwada Batter:

1 cup gram flour (besan)

2 tablespoons rice flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon chaat masala

Salt to taste

Water (as needed for batter)

Oil for frying

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 cup assorted vegetables (cauliflower florets, potato slices, bell pepper strips, etc.)

1/2 cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the Mint Yogurt Dip:

1/2 cup yogurt

2 tablespoons mint leaves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon coriander leaves, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Vegetable Mix:

Marinating Vegetables:

In a bowl, combine assorted vegetables, paneer cubes, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

Sautéing:

Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the marinated vegetables and paneer until they are partially cooked. Set aside.

Making the Vegetarian Koliwada Batter:

Mixing Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, cornstarch, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, and salt.

Preparing Batter:

Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the vegetables.

Coating and Frying:

Coating Vegetables:

Dip the partially cooked vegetables and paneer into the prepared batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Deep Frying:

Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Gently drop the coated vegetables and paneer into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Draining Excess Oil:

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried Vegetarian Koliwada from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Mint Yogurt Dip:

Mixing Ingredients:

In a small bowl, mix yogurt, finely chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well to create a refreshing mint yogurt dip.

Serving:

Plating:

Arrange the crispy Vegetarian Koliwada on a serving plate.

Serving with Dip:

Serve hot with the mint yogurt dip on the side.

Conclusion: 

Vegetarian Koliwada, with its crispy texture and spicy flavors, is a delightful snack that brings the spirit of Mumbai's street food to your kitchen. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful appetizer, this Vegetarian Koliwada recipe promises a burst of taste that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai. Enjoy the crunchy goodness with the cooling mint yogurt dip for a perfect balance of flavors.