Sabudana Vada or Tapioca Fritters have a special place in my heart. Originally cooked in Maharashtra, my home state in India, these are a staple in every household. At first I never enjoyed these, but over time I grew to love this humble snack
It might seem complicated, but these fritters are very easy to make. There’s no garlic or ginger, and are completely gluten free and vegan!
Sabudana Vada is often available at street vendors, and usually made as a treat whenever guests are due. While spending time with my family in India after graduating University I was lucky enough to learn how to make these fritters. My recipe is very mild in flavour making it a great pairing with tea and other snacks. If you wanted you can add more spice, or even some freshly grated ginger to amp up the flavours.
To watch me make these, check out our YouTube video!
Here is my simple recipe. As always let me know how you go making these and be sure to send me photos of your attempts via Instagram @theminiaturelife.
Sabudana Vada
Equipment
- Deep dryer or large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Wire rack with paper towel below it
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups large tapioca pearls, soaked overnight
- 3 potatoes, boiled and chopped into small pieces
- 1½ tbsp. ground cumin
- 4-5 hot green chillies
- Handful of fresh coriander leaves cilantro
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- After soaking the tapioca overnight, remove any excess water and add to a mixing bowl
- In a mortar and pestle, grind the green chilli, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and salt to make a paste
- Add the potato and the chilli paste into the bowl with the tapioca. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot. The oil should be at least a hand in depth. Heat the oil to roughly 180°C/350°F
- Roll a ball of the tapioca mixture roughly 1-2 tbsp. in size and flatten between your palms or on your work bench
- Fry the tapioca disc in the oil for 2 minutes then turn over until both sides are golden brown
- Remove the discs from the fryer and set aside on a wire rack to drain
- Serve hot with tomato sauce or chutney
