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Crispy, golden fritters made from tender green sorghum (jowar), a beloved winter delicacy from Gujarat. These savory vadas are packed with fresh herbs and spices, offering a unique texture and a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as a tea-time snack or an appetizer.
Prepare Ponk and Aromatics
Mix the Vada Batter
Activate Batter and Shape Vadas
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Crispy, golden fritters made from tender green sorghum (jowar), a beloved winter delicacy from Gujarat. These savory vadas are packed with fresh herbs and spices, offering a unique texture and a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as a tea-time snack or an appetizer.
This gujarati recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 302.21 calories per serving with 7.01g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Deep Fry the Vadas
Drain and Serve
To make these in an air fryer, shape the vadas, brush them lightly with oil, and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
You can add 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions or grated carrots to the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.
Shape the batter into cylindrical logs and steam them for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, slice and temper with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves for a different snack.
Tender sorghum (Ponk) is a whole grain that provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
The combination of ponk and besan (gram flour) makes these vadas a decent source of plant-based protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function.
Sorghum is a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, which play vital roles in bone health, energy production, and oxygen transport in the body.
Ponk is the Gujarati name for fresh, tender green sorghum (jowar) grains. It is a seasonal delicacy available during the winter months in India and is known for its sweet, milky taste and tender texture.
During winter, fresh ponk is available in markets in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Outside of its season or region, you can usually find it in the frozen section of larger Indian grocery stores.
Ponk itself is a healthy whole grain rich in fiber and nutrients. However, since these vadas are deep-fried, they are high in calories and fat. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat. For a healthier option, try the air-fried version.
One serving of 4 Ponk Vadas contains approximately 280-320 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fat from deep frying.
Store leftover vadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
You can prepare the batter mixture (without adding baking soda and lemon juice) a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add the baking soda and lemon juice just before you are ready to fry.