Batata vada, a spiced mashed potato filling dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried, is a street food staple in Maharashtra. Gadkari grew up enjoying this snack, and over the years, it has remained a symbol of home, nostalgia, and regional pride
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. File Pic
For Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the simple joys of life often come wrapped in golden, crispy batter – the humble: A Batata Vada, an iconic Maharashtrian snack that is not just a favourite treat; it’s a taste of home, childhood memories, and the comfort of simpler days amid a busy political life.
More than just a food item, this iconic Maharashtrian delicacy holds deep personal and cultural significance for Gadkari, connecting him to his roots, childhood memories, and a simpler lifestyle amidst the whirlwind of public life.
Batata vada, a spiced mashed potato filling dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried, is a street food staple in Maharashtra. Gadkari grew up enjoying this snack, and over the years, it has remained a symbol of home, nostalgia, and regional pride. In his own words, he gravitates toward simple, traditional vegetarian food, and the batata vada perfectly embodies the flavours and comfort of his upbringing in Nagpur.
Recently, Gadkari’s love for the snack took centre stage in a YouTube video when Bollywood filmmaker and dance choreographer Farah Khan, along with her personal chef Dilip, visited the minister’s Delhi residence. There, they were served Gadkari’s favourite home-cooked batata vada. The recipe, shared during the video, combines boiled mashed potatoes with green chillies, chilli powder, salt, sugar, and onions, all coated in a crisp besan (chickpea) batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Farah Khan’s video quickly went viral, bringing nationwide attention to the simple yet flavorful recipe.
Gadkari has also expressed his fondness for a specific spot in Pune, Prabha Vishranti Gruha, known for its batata vadas. This personal connection highlights not just his taste but also his appreciation for the authentic flavours of his home state. By embracing a street food favourite like batata vada, Gadkari presents a relatable, grounded image, connecting with millions of people who enjoy this snack daily.
Batata vada, a flavourful snack made with spiced potatoes coated in chickpea flour, served hot. Representational pic.
In a life dominated by politics, meetings, and public scrutiny, batata vada serves as Gadkari’s anchor, a reminder of home, culture, and simpler pleasures. Whether at a street-side stall or his own kitchen, the golden fritter is more than food; it’s comfort, nostalgia, and identity fried into a crispy, savoury bite.
For Nitin Gadkari, the humble batata vada isn’t just a snack, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
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