This crispy coriander snack looks simple… but the taste is an explosion 😳

This crispy coriander snack looks simple… but the taste is an explosion 😳 is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Sutradhar on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $2.64 total, $0.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fresh Coriander Leaves (packed, washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1 cup Gram Flour (also called besan, sifted)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (slit lengthwise, seeds removed for less heat if desired)
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and roughly chopped)
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder (for color and subtle earthiness)
  • ½ tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp Cumin Seeds (optional, for aroma)
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Water (as needed to bind the dough)
  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying, use a high‑smoke‑point oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coriander

    Wash the coriander leaves thoroughly, shake off excess water and roughly chop them.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Blend the Aromatics

    In a blender, combine the chopped coriander, green chilies, ginger and 2 tbsp water. Pulse until you get a coarse, slightly wet paste.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Make the Dough

    Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl. Add gram flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix with a spoon until a thick, non‑sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water (1‑2 tbsp) and knead briefly.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Steam the Dough

    Grease the shallow steaming tray with a few drops of oil. Spread the dough evenly (about ½‑inch thick). Bring water to a boil in the steamer pot, place the tray inside, cover tightly and steam for 12‑15 minutes until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 100°C

  5. Cool and Cut

    Remove the tray from the steamer and let the steamed cake cool for 5 minutes. Once firm, transfer to a cutting board and cut into diamond‑shaped pieces (about 2 inches on each side).

    Time: PT5M

  6. Fry the Diamonds

    Heat ½ cup oil in a frying pan over medium‑high heat until it reaches ~350°F. Gently slide the diamond pieces into the oil, fry 2‑3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Drain and Serve

    Using a slotted spoon, lift the fried vadi onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot as a snack or accompaniment to chutney.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free (if certified besan)

Allergens: None (besan is gluten‑free but check for cross‑contamination)

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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This crispy coriander snack looks simple… but the taste is an explosion 😳

Recipe by Sutradhar

A crunchy‑outside, soft‑inside Indian snack made by mixing fresh coriander with gram flour, steaming the dough, cutting it into diamond shapes and pan‑frying until golden. The vibrant cilantro flavor shines through in every bite.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.64
Total cost
$0.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the dough is thick enough before steaming
  • Steaming until fully set (no raw flour taste)
  • Maintaining oil temperature around 350°F for crisp exterior

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – keep a lid nearby and never leave unattended.
  • Steam can cause burns – open the steamer lid away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi in Indian cuisine?

A

Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi is a home‑style snack from North India that showcases the abundant use of fresh cilantro in seasonal cooking. It originated as a clever way to preserve excess coriander by turning it into a flavorful, portable fritter that can be enjoyed any time of day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of coriander‑based vadi in Indian cuisine?

A

In Gujarat, a similar snack called "dhaniya vadi" is often baked instead of fried and may include sesame seeds. In Maharashtra, the dough may be mixed with rice flour for a lighter texture. The core idea—coriander plus gram flour—remains the same across regions.

cultural
Q

How is Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot as an evening snack (chaat) with green chutney or tamarind sauce. In some families it accompanies a cup of chai, while in festive settings it appears on a snack platter alongside other fried delights.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

The dish is popular during the monsoon season when fresh coriander is abundant, and it often appears at family gatherings, festivals like Navratri, and as a street‑food offering at fairs.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients give Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi its distinctive flavor compared to regular pakoras?

A

The generous amount of fresh coriander leaves provides a bright, herbaceous taste, while the gram flour creates a nutty base. The combination of turmeric, chili powder, and a hint of cumin adds depth that regular onion pakoras lack.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi?

A

It pairs nicely with tangy mint‑coriander chutney, sweet tamarind sauce, or a simple yogurt raita. For a fuller meal, serve alongside dal, rice, or a light vegetable sabzi.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi at home?

A

Common errors include using too much water in the dough, under‑steaming the cake, and frying at a temperature that is too low. Each of these leads to a soggy, crumbly, or greasy final product.

technical
Q

Why does this Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi recipe steam the dough before frying instead of frying the raw mixture directly?

A

Steaming sets the dough, giving it a firm interior that holds the diamond shape and prevents it from falling apart in the oil. It also reduces the frying time, resulting in a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist.

technical
Q

Can I make Coriander Besan Diamond Vadi ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Steam the dough, let it cool, cut into diamonds and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Fry the pieces just before serving for maximum crunch. You can also freeze the raw diamonds for up to a month.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sutradhar specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sutradhar focuses on Indian home‑cooking tutorials that highlight clever ways to use everyday ingredients, often turning leftovers or abundant produce into tasty, easy‑to‑make dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sutradhar's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Sutradhar emphasizes minimal equipment, quick techniques, and resourceful recipes that reduce waste, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate, restaurant‑style preparations. The channel’s style is practical, budget‑friendly, and rooted in traditional home kitchens.

channel

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