VADA PAV - THE INDIAN BURGER

Vada Pav - the Indian Burger image

It's a hugely popular street food in India and has its origins in the state of Maharashtra. Please note that if you are using fresh, young cilantro sprigs the stems are tender and are fine to use in the chutney. If the sprigs are older, the stems tend to be tough and should be discarded.

Provided by Member 610488

Time 50m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon black salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon dried mango powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder or 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, less if you like less heat
2 medium idaho potatoes, boiled peeled mashed
2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted margarine
4 hamburger buns or 8 slices pav bread
4 teaspoons store bought tamarind-date chutney
4 teaspoons mint cilantro chutney
1 tablespoon sev
1 cup packed cilantro
1 cup packed mint (leaves only)
1/4 small red onion, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon dried pomegranate seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

Blend the cilantro, mint, chile, onion, pomegranate seeds (if using), lemon juice, and salt in a blender to a smooth paste. To aid in the blending process, you can add up to 2 tablespoons of water, if needed. Taste and add more salt if needed.14.
Transfer to a covered container and chill for about 30 minutes. Serve cool. This chutney will keep, refrigerated, for 4 days.
When ready to make, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the cumin seeds. As soon as they begin to sizzle add the onion and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the onion just begins to change color.
Add the black salt, sugar, turmeric, mango powder, chile powder, and potatoes. Mix well.
Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture has completely heated through.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
When you are ready to serve, reheat the potato mixture. It should be warmed through but not hot.
Add the peanuts and cilantro to the potato mixture. Mix well and divide the mixture into four equal portions. Flatten them as you would hamburger patties. These are very delicate patties, so be gentle. Set the patties aside.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter the inside of your buns. Place the buns buttered side down in the skillet and toast until golden. Remove from heat.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of the tamarind-date chutney on one side of the bun and 1 teaspoon of the mint-cilantro chutney on the other side.
Place the patty on top of one of the bun halves, sprinkling some sev on top, and close with the other side of the bun. Serve immediately.