Kothambir Vade is a delicacy mostly popular in Maharashtra. This snack is also called as "Kothimbir Vadi" or spicy pattice. Kothimbir in Marathi means coriander leaves and vadi means fritters, hence the name Kothambir Vade. This snack is flavourful and mildly spiced yet nutritious. It is crispy on the outer side and soft inside. Kothambir Vade is cooked in various ways; among them two are as follows.

Ingredients of Kothambir Vade

•1 Cup wheat flour (attat) sieved
•1 Cup gram flour (besan) sieved
•Half cup coarsely pounded peanuts
•2 tbsp white sesame seeds
•1 tsp ginger garlic paste
•4 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
•1 tsp chilly powder
•1 tsp sugar
•Half tsp garam masala
•Half tsp turmeric powder
•Half tsp soda bicarbonate
•Oil as needed
•Salt to taste

Method of Preparing Kothambir Vade

•Mix the flours with sesame seeds, coriander leaves, peanut powder, chilly powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, soda bicarbonate, ginger-garlic paste, sugar and salt. Add water and make a thick paste.
•Heat 2 tbsp oil and add to the paste.
•Grease a deep platter and spread the paste evenly. Steam in an idli steamer or pressure cooker for 15 minutes. Do not use the weights. Cut into diamond shape pieces.
•Heat oil and deep fry these pieces.
•Serve hot.

Kothambir Vade can also be prepared by incorporating lots of cilantro which is a type of herb. This leaf has also been used in the previous preparation but in the following preparation the percentage is more hence the difference in texture.

Ingredients of Kothambir Vade

•2 Cups packed cilantro/coriander leaves, chopped fine
•1 Cup chickpea flour/besan
•1 tbsp. rice flour
•1/4 cup mixed flours
•4 Green chillies, minced fine
•1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste
•1 tsp. sesame seeds
•1 tsp. poppy seeds
•2 tsp. lemon juice
•1 tsp. turmeric
•Pinch of asafoetida
•1 tsp. garam masala
•1/4 tsp. baking soda
•1 tsp. sugar
•Salt to taste
•Oil for frying

Method of Preparing Kothambir Vade

•Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, except for the oil.
•Add enough water to make a thick batter and stir well to remove all lumps.
•Grease a flat vessel. Pour the batter into the vessel.
•Steam for about 30 minutes till a skewer inserted in the middle comes clean.
•Let cool, unmold and cut into slices.
•Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet and deep fry the slices till crispy and golden.
•Serve hot.

Kothambir Vade is a good starter snack and is prepared by many Maharashtrians at home. It can also be tasted in different eateries in various states of India. The snack lovers can team up this mouth watering item with hot masala tea, garlic chutney, coconut chutney, or tomato sauce.