Kothimbir Vadi/ Coriander Leaves Steamed Dumplings- With Some Me-Time

I am a social person, who loves to meet out people, talk on phone or be among friends. But now days I have started enjoying my own company. You know a little ‘’me time’’ is so important. Spending some alone time helps you understand and develop certain abilities. Finding some me time is not indulgence; it is the necessity-a time to unwind stress. So next time to get spare time- enjoy your favorite hobby, go for a hike, take a bath, read a book, listen to music, or best is to do nothing at all.—use this time to take care of yourself in whatever way you choose.

Yesterday while I was having some me-time and reading newspaper, I read about so much negativity and crisis around the world. The disastrous and shattering situations in Iraq, Gaza and Libya and the outbreak of deadly Ebola have taken many innocent lives. The more you read about their pain, their sufferings the more you will be thankful for life, for what you possess, for what you have achieved and finally how good your life is.

So ladies, spare some me-time, as there are certain situations in life when you just need to talk to yourself and no one other than your conscience can help you. Hmmm! So as it is said, ‘“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present.” :-)

My me time is a good reading material, a cup of green tea and something to nibble. At times it is a plate of Suji Dhokla, or baked mathri. Sometimes sweet vanilla cookies or nutty brownies- but no tea is complete without a snack. How about Kothimbir Vadi? The spicy, steamed dumplings with the crunch of sesame seeds and boost of curry leaves. Well that is exciting-isnt it?

Kothimbir Vadi is the most popular Maharashtrian food, well ofcourse after vada pav. Coriander (Cilantro) is mixed with chick pea flour, green chilles, ginger and spices. There are plenty of variants of this dish- deep fried, some stir fried and some steamed. I like to steam the dumplings and finally adding the tempering and cook on slow flame so that the favours are absorbed.

So here is how you can make crispy, spicy and healthy Kothimbir Vadi

Ingredients:

For vadi:

1 cup of chickpea flour/gram flour/besan

1 cup finely chopped coriander leaves/cilantro/dhaniya

1 tablespoon of green chilli paste

1 tablespoon ginger paste/ adrak

1/4 cup yogurt/dahi

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder/haldi

Salt to taste

Water as needed

For Tadka:

1 tablespoon oil

Pinch asafoetida/hing

1 teaspoon mustard sees/rai/sarso

1 teaspoon sesame seeds/ til

5-6 curry leaves

1 green chilli stilted

Method:

Keep your steamer ready.

In bowl mix gram flour, coriander leaves, green chilli paste, ginger paste, yogurt, turmeric and salt. Knead to dough. If needed add water.

Divide the dough in two parts and shape each portion in to cylindrical log. Arrange on grease tray and steam it for 20-22 minutes. Cook till toothpick when inserted comes out clean.

When steamed, cut the dumplings into roundels.

Heat oil in pan, when hot add in mustard seeds and curry leaves. Let it crackle. Bring heat on low.

Finally add in sesame seeds, green chillies and vadis. Cover and cook for 8 minutes.

Serve hot.

Notes:

Squeeze out water from coriander leaves.

If the dough becomes too sticky and soft, add more gram flour.

If you want you can deep fry too, I like this way.

Serving Suggestions:

A great party snack can be made ahead, just reheat before serving.

Also good for tiffins and lunch box.

Pair with chutney, dip, raita or ketchup.

Ladies, remember-Me –time won’t appear magically, you will have to plan it.  All the best :-)