Kothimbir Vadi Waffles Savoury Cauliflower Leaves Waffles

KOTHIMBIR VADI WAFFLES | SAVOURY CORIANDER WAFFLES

What is Kothimbir Vadi?

Kothimbir Vadi translates to Coriander Squares. It is a delicious savoury snack that hails from the western states of India, Maharashtra. In the Marathi language (spoken in Maharashtra) ‘Kothimbir’ translates coriander and ‘Vadi’ means wedges, slices or cubes. This delicious snack is prepared using very basic Indian staple ingredients like gram flour, fresh coriander leaves and spices and usually served as a snack with tea, coffee and chutneys. First, the batter is steamed, then cut into small cubes and deep-fried to make outer layer crispy and delicious.

Kothimbir Vadi Waffles

With the current climate, we wanted to get creative and wanted to use as much of the vegetable as possible. We have added cauliflower leaves to these vegan savoury waffles to reduce waste. We are eliminating steaming and frying thus saving time. These require minimal oil as Kothimbir vadi are usually deep fried. We wanted to pack in as many nutrients as possible so the flour used is gram flour or besan which is protein-packed. You could also add carrot tops if you do manage to get hold of fresh vegetables The batter is almost identical to what I use to make chilla. These Indian healthy savoury waffles are superb for lunch. As they are waffle shaped they are a fun and ideal way to get children eating nutritious food.

What goes in Kothimbir Vadi Waffles

● Gram flour also known as besan which adds tons of protein to this recipe. ● Cauliflower leaves OR Coriander leaves. ● Peanut powder adds a beautiful crunch and flavours. Grind peanuts in a coffee grinder. ● Semolina to add crispy texture to the waffles. ● Ginger-chilli-garlic paste to spices up the dish and flavours. ● Spices powders such as red chilli and turmeric powder. ● Kasoori methi, in a traditional recipe, doesn’t require but in this waffles recipe, it brings that amazing taste as cauliflower leaves are tasteless. ● Ajwain known as carom seeds to help in digest and for great flavours. ● Mustard and cumin seeds for tempering. ● Oil, any oil will work fine but groundnut or peanut oil brings that extra flavours. ● Baking soda

How to make Kothimbir Vadi Waffles step by step pictures

1. In a big bowl mix gram flour, semolina, peanut powder, spices powders, salt, kasoori methi, ajwain and cauliflower/coriander leaves.
2. Add water gradually and prepare a batter with pancake pouring consistency.
3. Prepare the tempering by heating oil in a small pan, add both seeds and once they pop pour it on the ready batter.
4. Preheat a waffle maker according to manual.
5. Apply little oil using pastry brush on the waffle maker plates, make sure you apply the oil on the closing plate too.
6. Add baking soda in the batter and mix so well.
7. Pour some batter into hot and oiled plates, close and let the waffles cook.
8. It will take about 5-6 minutes waffles to cook all over and turn crispy outside.
9. Remove and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

You may add some fresh spinach or methi leaves along with coriander or cauliflower leaves. If the batter gets too thin, add more gram flour and spices. A waffle maker or alternatively use a toasted sandwich maker

Can I make these waffles in advance?

These waffles are best eaten fresh and cannot be made in advance as they will harden. If you have waffles leftover or they go hard, then tear them up and add to Kadhi.

Top or serve these Indian waffles with:

These waffles are really tasty even if eaten on its own, but one can serve with homemade chilli sultana sauce, or raw mango, chilli and garlic dip. We have topped the waffles with chopped red onion and fresh parsley

Try some of our other leftover recipes:

1. Leftover Khaman Dhokla Chaat prepared with leftover khaman dhokla.
2. Dal Methi Paratha made using leftover dal.
3. Loaded Cauliflower Mash Cheese Balls prepared using leftover cauliflower mash.