How to Make Sabudana Vada in Appe Pan

Sabudana Vada, a cherished snack from Maharashtra, is traditionally deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. However, for those seeking a non-fry alternative without compromising on taste, preparing Sabudana Vada in an appe pan offers a delightful solution. This method uses minimal oil, making it a guilt-free treat that's perfect for tea-time or as a nutritious snack.

The original recipe was published in 2015. The post has been updated with new pictures and updated instructions with additional tips and tricks.

Using the appe pan to prepare Sabudana Vada became a game-changer, allowing us to enjoy this cherished snack more frequently without the guilt of deep frying.

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• Keep Appe Pan covered
• Sabudana vada made in appe pan

Sabudana provides the chewy and crunchy texture characteristic of these vadas, however is flavorless. Peanuts, green chillies, coriander leaves, and lemon provides the flavor to the vada. You can adjust the amount of each of these based on your liking. For example, if you like it spicy, adjust the number of green chilies and so on. Sabudana Khichdi is also another way to enjoy Sabudana / tapioca.

Instructions to cook using Appe Pan

• Soak the Sabudana:
  Wash 1 cup sabudana thoroughly and drain all the water.
  Add ½ cup water and soak for 2–3 hours or overnight until soft and fluffy.
• Prep the Aromatics:
  In a small chopper or food processor, add the roasted peanuts, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
  Pulse a few times until coarsely crushed. You want a chunky texture—not a paste.
• Make the Mixture:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine Soaked sabudana, Mashed boiled potatoes, crushed peanut-chilli-coriander mixture, roasted cumin powder, sendha namak, and lemon juice
• Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
• Shape the Vadas:
  Grease your palms with a little oil and shape the mixture into lemon-sized balls. You can use an ice-cream scoop to get uniform size vadas
• Cook in Appe Pan (Paniyaram Pan):
  Heat and lightly grease each cavity of the appe pan with oil.
  Place the balls in the cavities, cover, and cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  Flip each ball and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• Serve:
  Enjoy your hot and crispy sabudana vadas with green chutney, sweet curd, or straight from the pan while they’re still sizzling!

 

Storage Tips for Leftovers​

Storage Method	How Long It Lasts	How to Store
Room Temperature	4–6 hours	Store in an airtight container, reheat before eating
Refrigerator	Up to 2 days	Keep in a sealed box, reheat in appe pan, microwave or air fryer
Freezer	Up to 1 month (uncooked)	Freeze shaped vadas on a tray, then store in a ziplock. Cook directly in appe pan without thawing

How to Serve Appe Pan Sabudana Vada

Here are some great combos that go beautifully with these vadas:

• Green Chutney: Mint + coriander + lemon – refreshing kick
• Sweetened Yogurt: A kid-favorite twist
• Coconut Chutney: For a South Indian fusion
• Masala Chai: Classic combo for a rainy day

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them​

Mistake	Result	Solution
Using too much water to soak sabudana	Vadas turn sticky or mushy	Just cover sabudana with water; it should absorb it fully without excess
Not roasting peanuts well	Lacks crunch and flavor	Always roast peanuts till golden and let them cool before grinding
Flipping vadas too early	Vadas break or stick to the pan	Wait until bottoms are golden before flipping – patience pays off!

Top Tips for Perfect Appe Pan Sabudana Vada

1. Keep the Appe pan covered – ensures even cooking from all sides
2. Preheat Appe pan properly – helps in forming a crispy outer layer

Appe Pan Sabudana Vada is a non-fry twist on a much-loved Maharashtrian classic. With the same crispy texture and comforting flavors, but without all the oil, it’s perfect for fasting, snacking, or guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just looking for a better way to enjoy traditional favorites, this recipe checks all the boxes—easy, wholesome, and delicious. Give it a try and let it become a new family favorite in your home too!

 

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