Ingredients
- 1 cup urad dal (whole black gram)
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1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
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Water (for soaking and grinding)
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1 tbsp grated ginger (optional)
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2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
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1 tbsp chopped curry leaves (optional)
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1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (optional)
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1 tbsp cumin seeds (optional)
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1 pinch of asafoetida (hing) (optional)
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1 tbsp rice flour (optional for extra crispiness)
Instructions
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Soak the Dal: Wash and soak urad dal in about 3 cups of water for 2-3 hours.
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Grind the Dal: Drain the soaked dal and grind it into a smooth, thick batter using minimal water. The batter should be thick and fluffy.
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Add Flavorings: Add chopped green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and cumin seeds to the batter. Optionally, add rice flour for extra crispiness.
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Shape the Vadas: Wet your hands and take a small portion of the batter. Shape it into a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle.
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Fry the Vadas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Gently slide the shaped batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
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Drain Excess Oil: Remove the vadas from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Serve: Serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney.
Notes
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Achieving the Perfect Texture: Whisk the batter well to incorporate air for a light, fluffy texture.
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Frying Tips: Make sure the oil is at medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the vadas will burn, and if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil.
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Instant Vada: For a quick version, mix rice flour and yogurt to create an instant batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Ready to Eat
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 vada
- Calories: 180 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg