Maida Vdam

This is a simpler version of the traditional arisi vdam, easy to make with a great taste. These are especially handy on festive occasions or when unexpected guests drop in.

Ingredients:

• Maida - 1/2 kg
• Chilli powder - 3 tsp
• Asafoetida - 1 tsp
• White til (sesame seeds) - 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Water

Vessels required: Pressure cooker or a closed vessel with lid; vdam stand and vdam plates (easily available in south Indian stores that deal with steel utensils)

Method:

• Mix Maida, chilli powder, asafoetida, salt and sesame seeds. Add water until it is of dosa batter consistency and without any lumps. If you are not able to mix it properly by hand, you could use the mixie or grinder to mix (for larger quantities) and add the sesame seeds later.
• Add 1 tsp oil to a bowl of water and wipe the vdam plates with a small piece of cotton cloth dipped in this mixture. Spread the prepared batter like a dosa on the vdam plate (refer picture shown above).
• Arrange the plates in the Vdam stand. Pour a little water in the pressure cooker and place a small bowl filled with water in the centre. Heat. Once the water starts boiling, place the vdam stand in the water and cover with lid (do not use whistle).
• Wait for 5 mins and check if the vdams are done. They are done if they appear shiny.
• Take the vdam plates out and leave them to cool for a minute. Once cool, you can peel off the vdams from the plate and arrange one on top of the other.
• Spread out a plastic sheet on the ground and dry the vdams in the sheet. Place one next to the other on the sheet. When half dry, turn them over. If you want them to remain flat, place them one on top of the other when half dry and place a heavy weight over it. Next day, dry them in the sun.
• Store them in airtight containers. They can be stored for a couple of years or at least until the next summer.
• When required, deep fry in oil and serve. They can be served plain as starters with soup or with rice and sambar / rasam, etc.

Tip: Cover the kitchen work table with newspapers before commencing. Beginners may find this quite messy.