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Kothimbir Vadi
4.3 from 51 votes

Kothimbir Vadi

Kothimbir Vadi is a steamed and pan-fried savory cake made with a blend of finely chopped cilantro (kothimbir), gram flour, rice flour, and spices. The mixture is steamed to set firm, then cut into pieces and pan-fried until golden with a sesame seed crust. The results are soft, herby, and slightly crisp on the outside, offering a delicate balance of flavors and textures common in Maharashtrian cuisine.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Calories: 205 kcal
Course: Appetizer, Snacks, Brunch
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups packed cilantro rinsed, dried and chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon green chili minced
  • ⅛ teaspoon Turmeric ground
  • ¾ cup besan gram flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup water for the dough
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda or ½ teaspoon of eno fruit salt
Pan Frying
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sesame seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add cilantro, oil, rice flour, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, besan, salt and water to a medium bowl. Mix well.
  2. Add 1½ cups water to the Instant Pot insert. Set on Sauté mode so the water starts to heat. Note: Heating up the water before placing the batter in the Instant Pot will result in light cakes. Make sure to do this about 5 minutes before you are ready place the batter in the Instant Pot for steaming. Boiling it for too long may cause a lot if water to evaporate.
  3. Grease a 7½ inch stainless steel bowl with cooking oil or spray.
  4. Add baking soda to the batter and mix well. Quickly pour the batter in the greased bowl. Place the bowl on the instant pot trivet and carefully place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Note: It is important to start the steaming process within couple of minutes for the baking soda to work. Close Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to venting.
  5. Set Instant Pot to Steam mode, with an external timer for 12 minutes. Note: Timer function does not work with Steam/Venting, so an external timer is needed.
  6. Once the timer goes off, Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot after 5 minutes.
  7. Carefuly take out the bowl. Cut into small square pieces.
  8. Heat a nonstick pan with half of the oil for pan frying. Spread half of the sesame seeds and then line the Kothimbir Vadi on the pan. Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Then sprinkle remaining oil and sesame seeds on top and carefully flip the Vadi. Cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes or until crispy. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Kothimbir Vadi can be cooked on a stovetop steamer or in a pressure cooker without whistle, steaming covered for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Heating the Instant Pot water before placing the batter helps achieve a lighter texture without excessive evaporation.
  • Work quickly after adding baking soda to the batter to ensure proper leavening during steaming.

Nutrition Information

Calories 205kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 678mg (28%) Potassium 232mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 540IU (11%) Vitamin C 3.1mg (3%) Calcium 29mg (3%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 205

% Daily Value*

Calories 205kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 678mg 28%
Potassium 232mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 540IU 11%
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3%
Calcium 29mg 3%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.