Kothimbir Wadi

Kothimbir Wadi is a typical Maharashtrian starter snack. The main ingredients being ... well you guessed it "Kothimbir (Cilantro)". All my maharashtrian friends swear by it and whenever i make it I remember my friends mom's words "Khaoon tar paha" which means atleast try it ...

Ingredients:

Cilantro - 5 bunches

Besan (Chickpea Flour) - 1 1/2 cup

Semolina - 1/2 cup

Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp

Red Chilli Powder - 1 1/2 tsp or less depending on your spice level (You can also use green chillie paste)

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

Garam Masala - 1 tsp

Hing - a pinch

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil for frying

Method:

- Mix together all the ingredients and make a dough by adding little water at a time. (Too much water will turn the dough soggy)

- Divide the dough in 2 - 3 parts and make elongated logs. You can also spread the entire dough on a greased pan (not more than 2" thick).

- Steam the dough like you would steam idlis. Usually it takes 5- 10 mins to steam well. You can also pressure cook the dough like you cook dal/rice.

- Let the dough cool for sometime. Once it cools completely cut it into slices and then you can deep fry or shallow fry the Wadis. (I usually freeze the slices of dough ina ziplock and fry them only when i need)

- Garnish with cilantro and coconut and serve with chutney.

Tip: You can replace the corriander with methi leaves or shredded cabbage. All the wadis taste equally divine.