Cilantro Fritters (Kothimbir Wadi) Recipe

Updated March 26, 2025

Note: Depending on the fineness of the chick pea flour, you may need to add more or less water. Try adding a few tablespoons of water at a time to gauge consistency. You need to get to a pancake-batter consistency. Coriander leaves are a more fragrant option than cilantro and give this dish tons of taste. The steamed coriander/cilantro cake can be cut into squares and refrigerated for up to a week and fried whenever needed. And if you're trying to avoid fried stuff, you can eat the steamed cake as is-it's just as delicious.

Recipe Details

Cilantro Fritters (Kothimbir Wadi) Recipe

Prep 5 mins

Cook 15 mins

Active 20 mins

Total 20 mins

Serves 3 servings

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Ingredients

1 cup chickpea flour
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons roasted and crushed peanuts
1/2 cup water (plus more)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Directions

In a bowl mix chickpea flour, cilantro leaves and stalks, a pinch of salt, red chilli powder, asafoetida powder, turmeric powder, and peanuts. Slowly pour in the water and keep stirring with a fork or whisk until a thick batter forms.
Spread 1 teaspoon oil over a microwave-safe glass bowl or plate. Transfer mixture to it and cover with a lid or overturned microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 4 minutes on high with the lid on. Alternatively, place the plate on a bamboo steamer set over simmering water and steam for 10 to 12 minutes until firm.
Transfer the steamed cake to a cutting board and cut into 1 inch squares, bars or diamond shapes.
Heat remaining oil in a medium non-stick skillet ober medium heat until shimmering. Slide in the fritters gently and fry until crisp on the outside, about 30 seconds on each side. Serve with spiced tomato sauce or with green chutney as a snack.

Special equipment

Glass mixing bowl, Microwave safe lidded glass bowl/plate, heavy-bottomed non-stick TK-inch skillet, Steamer or Microwave

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
241	Calories
14g	Fat
20g	Carbs
9g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount per serving
Calories	241
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g	18%
Saturated Fat 1g	7%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 182mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 20g	7%
Dietary Fiber 5g	16%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 3mg	14%
Calcium 30mg	2%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 382mg	8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.