Wisconsin-style Cheese Curd Vada Pav

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Indian vada pav is transformed into a Wisconsin-style delight by incorporating cheese curds, a beloved ingredient in Wisconsin cuisine. The addition of cheese curds adds a unique and cheesy twist to the vada, enhancing its flavor and texture. The use of a soft bun instead of the traditional pav bread further aligns with the Wisconsin culinary culture. We alse have the original recipe for Vada pav, so you can check it out.

• For the vada: For the vada:
• 2 cups (300g) boiled and mashed potatoes 2 cups (300g) boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped onions 1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped onions
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 1 cup (150g) Wisconsin cheese curds, cut into small pieces 1 cup (150g) Wisconsin cheese curds, cut into small pieces
• Oil for deep frying Oil for deep frying
• For the assembly: For the assembly:
• 4 soft buns 4 soft buns
• Green chutney Green chutney
• Tamarind chutney Tamarind chutney
• Thinly sliced onions Thinly sliced onions
• Chopped cilantro Chopped cilantro

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, cilantro, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a few pieces of cheese curds in the center and shape the mixture into a ball, ensuring the cheese curds are well enclosed.
3. 3.
   Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the prepared vadas into the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
4. 4.
   Slice the soft buns horizontally, without cutting them all the way through. Spread green chutney on one side and tamarind chutney on the other.
5. 5.
   Place a vada in each bun and garnish with sliced onions and chopped cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the Wisconsin-style Cheese Curd Vada Pav hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese curds — Ensure the cheese curds are cut into small pieces to ensure even distribution within the vada. Use fresh cheese curds for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of garam masala to the potato mixture.
• If you can't find cheese curds, you can substitute with shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese.
• To make the vadas spicier, increase the amount of green chilies or add a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
• Serve the vada pav with a side of tomato ketchup for an additional tangy flavor.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of red chili powder in the potato mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Wisconsin-style Cheese Curd Vada Pav hot, accompanied by extra green chutney and tamarind chutney for dipping. It pairs well with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can lightly toast the buns before assembling the vada pav. This will add a nice golden color and a slight crunch to the bread.