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Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying snack that's perfect for any time of day? Look no further than vadas! These crispy, flavorful fritters are a staple of Indian cuisine, and they're loved by expats, foreigners, and foodies the world over.
Here are six must-try vada recipes that will leave you asking for more:
Medu Vada
This classic South Indian dish is made by soaking urad dal (split black lentils) for a few hours, then grinding it into a smooth batter with some water. Medu vadas are typically served with coconut chutney or sambar, a spicy lentil soup.
Ingredients:
1 cup urad dal
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin seeds
A few curry leaves, chopped
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying
Method:
Rinse the urad dal and soak it in water for 3–4 hours. Drain the dal and grind it to a smooth batter with a little water.cWhip the batter for a few minutes to incorporate air and make it fluffy. Add salt, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, black pepper, and curry leaves to the batter and mix well. eat oil in a deep-frying pan. Take a small portion of the batter, shape it into a donut-shaped disc, and gently slide it into the hot oil. Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 5 hours
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 100–150 calories per vada
rom a mixture of chana dal, spices, and fresh herbs. It's perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their snacks.
Ingredients:
1 cup chana dal
1 onion, finely chopped
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 inch ginger, grated
A few sprigs of coriander and mint leaves, chopped
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying
Method:
Rinse the chana dal and soak it in water for 2–3 hours.Drain the dal and grind it to a coarse paste without adding water. Add finely chopped onions, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, chopped coriander and mint leaves, and salt to the dal mixture and mix well. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan.Take a small portion of the mixture, shape it into a small ball, and gently slide it into the hot oil. Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 3 hours
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 120–150 calories per vada
Aloo Vada
This delicious vada is made from mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the perfect comfort food.
Ingredients:
2-3 potatoes, boiled and mashed
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
A few sprigs of cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying
Method:
In a bowl, mix together the boiled and mashed potatoes, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, coriander powder, chopped cilantro, and salt. Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into small balls. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan. Gently slide the balls into the hot oil and flatten them into patties.Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 150–200 calories per vada
Rava Vada
This crispy vada is made from semolina, curd, and spices. It's a great option for anyone who wants a lighter, healthier version of their favorite snack.
Ingredients:
1 cup rava (sooji)
1 cup curd
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 inch ginger, grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying
Method:
In a bowl, mix together the rava, curd, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, and salt. Add a little water to the mixture to make a thick batter. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan. Take a small portion of the batter, shape it into a small disc, and gently slide it into the hot oil. Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 100–120 calories per vada
Sabudana Vada
This vada is made from sago pearls, potatoes, and spices. It's crispy, crunchy, and perfect for anyone who enjoys different textures in their snacks.
Ingredients:
1 cup sabudana (sago)
2-3 potatoes, boiled and mashed
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
A few sprigs of coriander leaves, chopped
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying
Method:
Rinse the sabudana and soak it in water for 4-5 hours or overnight. Drain the sabudana and mix it with the boiled and mashed potatoes, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into small balls. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan. Gently slide the balls into the hot oil and flatten them into patties. Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 6 hours
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 150–200 calories per vada
Bread Vada
This unique vada is made from bread, potatoes, and spices. It's a great way to use up leftover bread, and it's perfect for anyone who wants a quick and easy snack.
Ingredients:
1 cup urad dal (split black lentils)
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1/2 inch ginger, grated
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander powder
Salt, to taste
Bread slices, as needed
Oil, for deep-frying
Method:
Rinse and soak urad dal in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain the water and grind the dal in a mixer to a smooth paste, adding very little water as needed. Add chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, coriander powder, and salt to the batter and mix well. Cut off the edges of bread slices and dip them in water to moisten them. Squeeze out the excess water and crumble the bread into the dal batter. Mix well. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan or kadai. Take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a ball or oval. Flatten it slightly and carefully slide it into the hot oil. Fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Drain the vadas on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve hot with chutney or sauce of your choice.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 7 hours
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 80-100 calories per vada
These six vada recipes are perfect as a snack or a side dish and are sure to impress your family and friends. With their easy-to-follow recipes and simple ingredients, you can try making them at home and enjoy the goodness of these traditional desi snacks!
