• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ministry of Curry logo

  • SHOP
    • The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook
    • Amazon Store
    • eBooks
    • Cooking Classes
    • Meal Plans
  • RESOURCES
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Air Fryer 101
    • Indian Cooking Tools
    • Cooking 101
    • Essential Indian Spices
    • Guide to Beans and Lentils
    • Holiday Shopping Guide
  • RECIPES
    • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Oven Recipes
    • Stove Top Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Salad
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Vegan
  • ABOUT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Cooking Classes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Side Dishes

    Instant Pot Kothimbir Vadi

    Published: Apr 26, 2018 · Modified: Jan 12, 2023 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 17 Comments

    615 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Kothimbir Vadi is a Western Indian delicacy, made with fresh cilantro and gram flour perfectly spiced with chili, garlic, and ground turmeric. This Instant Pot recipe uses a simple method so you can have this traditional Maharashtrian dish ready in no time! A gluten-free and vegan dish for a perfect breakfast, snack, side dish, or appetizer.

    kothimbir vadi with ketchup and chutney
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Kothimbir Vadi
    • Serving
    • Storing
    • More Indian Snack Recipes
    • Recipe

    Popular in the state of Maharashtra, these freezer-friendly spicy cilantro cakes are a must in a vegetarian thali meal.

    In the summer months, I love to buy large bunches of cilantro from local farmers' markets to make these Kothimbir Vadi. After steaming I cut them into squares and store them in the freezer. To serve, simply thaw them overnight and then pan-fry with sesame seeds until they turn golden-crisp.

    Kothimbir Vadi garnished with sesame seeds

    Made with just a few ingredients, these cakes are packed with flavors and are very healthy. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to steam the batter in a stainless steel bowl and is a slight variation to the original Kothimbir Vadi which I posted earlier. This modified version is lighter in texture and easier with the pour-and-done technique.

    Ingredients

    • Cilantro - In addition to great flavor, cilantro comes packed with vitamin C and provitamin A & K. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it a healthy herb.
    • Gram Flour - A staple in Indian cuisine, this gluten-free, protein-rich flour is made from yellow gram lentils(chana dal). Gram flour is known as "Besan" in Hindi and is used as a binding ingredient in this recipe.
    • Green Chilies - Used widely in Indian cooking, green chilies add a unique earthy flavor and distinct hotness to Kothimbir Vadi
    ingredients for Kothimbir Vadi

    How to Make Kothimbir Vadi

    • Grease a 7-½ inch stainless steel bowl with cooking oil or spray.
    • Add 1 ½ cups water to the Instant Pot insert. Set on Sauté mode so the water starts to heat. Note: Heating up the water before placing the batter in the Instant Pot will result in light cakes. Make sure to do this about 5 minutes before you are ready to place the batter in the Instant Pot for steaming. Boiling it for too long may cause a lot of water to evaporate.
    • Add cilantro, oil, rice flour, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, besan, salt, and water to a medium bowl. Mix well. Add baking soda to the batter and mix well.
    • Quickly pour the batter into the greased bowl. Place the bowl on the instant pot trivet and carefully place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Note: It is important to start the steaming process within a couple of minutes for the baking soda to work (photos 1 - 4).
    steps showing making of kothimbir vadi
    • Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure valve to venting. Set Instant Pot to Steam mode, with an external timer for 12 mins.
      Note: The timer function does not work with Steam/Venting, so an external timer is needed.
    • Once the timer goes off, Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot after 5 minutes. Carefully take out the bowl using heat-resistant mitts.
    batter for kothimbir vadi in a bowl
    • Cut into small square pieces. Pan fry with remaining oil and sesame seeds on medium heat, cooking each side for about a minute or until the sides start to turn light brown. Enjoy hot!
    pan fried kothimbir vadi

    Although the steamed cakes taste delicious as is, pan-frying them with some sesame seeds adds a nice crunch while keeping the moist texture inside.

    Serving

    Serve hot Kothimbir Cadi as a snack or breakfast with ginger chai or homemade lemonade. To serve along with an Indian meal, pair it with a curry, dal, raita, and hot roti. The steamed Vadi also tastes great at room temperature making them a perfect picnic or lunch box food.

    Kothimbir Vadi served with ketchup and chutney

    Storing

    These mouth-watering cakes have a unique aroma and can be made ahead. They can be refrigerated for a week and also freeze well. So go ahead and double up the batch.

    More Indian Snack Recipes

    Love these mouth-watering Indian snacks? Here are some of our favorite recipes you will enjoy:

    • Rava Dhokla
    • Muthia
    • Sabudana Wada

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Kothimbir Vadi served in a white plate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.32 from 16 votes

    Kothimbir Vadi

    Popular in the state of Maharashtra, Kothimbir vadi is a savory steamed snack made with fresh cilantro, chili and garlic
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 205kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups packed cilantro rinsed, dried and chopped finely
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 2 tablespoons rice flour
    • 1 tablespoon garlic grated
    • 1 teaspoon green chillies minced
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ¾ cup besan gram flour
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ cup water for the dough
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda or ½ teaspoon of eno fruit salt

    Pan Frying

    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 1 tablespoon brown sesame seeds

    Instructions

    • Add cilantro, oil, rice flour, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, besan, salt and water to a medium bowl. Mix well.
    • Add 1½ cups water to the Instant Pot insert. Set on Sauté mode so the water starts to heat. Note: Heating up the water before placing the batter in the Instant Pot will result in light cakes. Make sure to do this about 5 minutes before you are ready place the batter in the Instant Pot for steaming. Boiling it for too long may cause a lot if water to evaporate.
    • Grease a 7½ inch stainless steel bowl with cooking oil or spray.
    • Add baking soda to the batter and mix well. Quickly pour the batter in the greased bowl. Place the bowl on the instant pot trivet and carefully place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Note: It is important to start the steaming process within couple of minutes for the baking soda to work. Close Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to venting.
    • Set Instant Pot to Steam mode, with an external timer for 12 minutes. Note: Timer function does not work with Steam/Venting, so an external timer is needed.
    • Once the timer goes off, Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot after 5 minutes.
    • Carefuly take out the bowl. Cut into small square pieces.
    • Heat a nonstick pan with half of the oil for pan frying. Spread half of the sesame seeds and then line the Kothimbir Vadi on the pan. Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Then sprinkle remaining oil and sesame seeds on top and carefully flip the Vadi. Cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes or until crispy. Serve hot.

    Video

    Notes

    Stove Top Recipe:
    • You can also cook the Kothimbit Vadi on a stovetop steamer or pressure cooker. 
    • To cook in the steamer, simply add a cup of water to the main pot and then place the bowl with the batter on top. Cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 
    • To make on a stovetop pressure cooker, cook without the whistle for 15 minutes.  
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Please share your food photo with hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Thank you and Happy Cooking

    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
    Twitter Facebook Linkedin
    « Instant Pot Rava Dhokla
    Instant Pot Massaman Curry with Chicken »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. 4waystoyummy says

      April 26, 2018 at 7:01 pm

      I am curious do children eat this bread or is it generally too spicy for them? Is there a version of this for young ones? I'm gonna try it!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 27, 2018 at 12:08 pm

        Hi! You can skip the green chilies which will take away the spicy flavors for children. Give it a try, its delicious even without the chillies

        Reply
    2. 4waystoyummy says

      April 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Thank you for the suggestion. I have written a children's vegetable cookbook and I had not heard of theis "veggie" snack bread....wish I had. I did manage to get pachadi and kerala peas in the cookbook! I will try this soon and post to my veggie Fb page. Best of luck!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 27, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you! What is the name of your cookbook. Would love to read and try some recipes.

        Reply
    3. 4waystoyummy says

      April 27, 2018 at 5:30 pm

      That is very kind of you! I have submitted the 176 page manuscript to a lot of agents hoping one will pick it up. I would self-publish but the only paper available on print on demand is 60 lb or 80 lb glossy and I feel I need something more substantial for the little ones to color and write notes on. I will keep you posted how it goes..you can also check out our website and FB page. 4waystoyummy.com Have a wonderful weekend! I love your site!

      Reply
    4. Vikki Gandhi says

      May 03, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      Hi - if I don’t have rice flour what other flour will work? Oat or sprouted wheat, or does rice flour really bring the flavors out? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 03, 2018 at 8:32 pm

        Hi Vikki - You can substitute rice flour with sooji/rava or completely skip it. It is added to get a bit of crispy texture when you pan fry them. Traditional kothimbir vadi does not have rice flour.

        Reply
        • Ritika says

          February 14, 2021 at 11:58 pm

          Hi,
          I don’t have steam button in my insta pot.
          Which other option can I use ?
          Thanks

          Reply
          • Archana says

            February 16, 2021 at 10:14 pm

            Pressure cook will work. You want to keep the pressure valve at venting

            Reply
    5. MONALI says

      September 17, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      hi , Can you please let me know the name for the stainless steel bowl (71/2 inch) accessory you have to put in instant pot? Amazon link will be appreciated..TIA

      Reply
      • Archana says

        September 17, 2018 at 7:47 pm

        Here you go - https://amzn.to/2x5CQz1

        Reply
    6. Megs says

      March 26, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Archana,

      I tried it, comes out too good. I like spicy, so kicked it up a notch by adding little extra green chilies. Thanks for posting.5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 26, 2019 at 8:36 pm

        Yay!! Thank you for the feedback ❤️❤️

        Reply
    7. Sonika says

      March 19, 2020 at 3:33 am

      Is it okay to leave out the rice flour? If yes, should it be replaced with gram flour or something else?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 19, 2020 at 12:14 pm

        Hi Sonika! Rice flour add a little bit crispy texture. You can leave it out and add more gram flour instead

        Reply
    8. Vaishali shah says

      April 19, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Its an awesome recipe.. everyone liked it so much. Sinple , healthy and quick5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 19, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        Thank you Vaishali

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

    Archana's Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook

    SHOP

    Popular Posts

    • Mumbai Pav Bhaji
    • Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
    • Mushroom Masala
    • Homemade Pomegranate Juice

    Footer

    AS FEATURED IN

    ↑Back to Top

    Ministry of Curry

    Shop
    About
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility
    Contact

    Food and Recipes

    Recipe Index
    Cooking 101
    Instant Pot 101
    Cookbook

    MOC Pro

    Dashboard
    Meal Plans
    Virtual Cooking Classes
    Tips & Tricks

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Ministry of Curry

    615 shares
    • 75