Sabudana (Sago) Wada

Sabudana Wada is my all-time favourite Maharashtrian dish! In Pune (Maharashtra), there are a lot of places where you get hot, delicious Sabudana Wada. It is very easy to prepare and requires very little preparation. Sabudana (Sago in English), is normally associated with fasting, and so naturally, Sabudana wada is popular on such days. But any other day is just as good to enjoy this comforting food. In fact, as far as I remember, I have never made it during a fast...but then I don't even remember the last time I kept a fast ;). Anyhoo, just go ahead and try out this recipe when you are bored of the same old, same old, and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
This is my entry for Nupur's 'S' of Indian Vegetables (I hope she will accept this one as there really aren't that many veggies in here). Since this is a Maharashtrian recipe, this is also going for RCI- Maharashtrian Cuisine.


Ingredients: (makes about 20 wadas)
Sabudana (soaked in water for at least 5-6 hours) 1cup
Boiled Potatoes 1 medium
Daanyacha koot (roasted peanut powder) 2 tbsp
Cilantro chopped 1 tsp
Cayenne pepper 2-3 tsp (as per taste)
Salt
Oil for frying

Method:
To make Sabudana wadas, it is extremely important that the sabudana is soaked properly (at least 5-6 hours) in water. Rinse the sabudana in water and leave water just enough to cover. Once soaked, the sabudana will puff up and be soft to touch.
Boil 1 medium sized potato. Mash it and add to the soaked sabudana. Add roasted peanut powder, cayenne pepper, salt and chopped cilantro and mix together. You can also use green chillies instead of cayenne pepper. Check for taste. Now, make small flat patties and fry in oil till golden brown. Serve hot with green chutney.

To make green chutney:
Grind together green chillies, lots of cilantro, a tsp or two of roasted peanuts and 1 tsp of jeera. Add salt and a little plain yogurt and serve.