Urad Dal Vada

Long before starting this blog, I used to work for an Indian fashion and lifestyle magazine. While working there, I had the pleasure of editing a fabulous cookbook. The author is a wonderfully talented lady, who enjoys every aspect of cooking and entertaining. This recipe is an adaptation of her traditional dish called Gaarelu.

Ingredients

Urad dal – ½ cup

Chana dal – ⅛ cup

Baking soda – ⅛ tsp

Finely chopped onion – ¼ cup

Finely chopped green chilli

Finely chopped curry leaves

Whole pepper corns – 5-6

Salt to taste

Method

Wash and soak the dals for at least 8 hours (don’t forget to plan ahead). Take ¾ of the soaked dals, add salt and baking soda and blend to make a smooth, sticky paste. Add the remaining soaked dals and pulse a couple of times. The final batter should be smooth with a few whole pieces of dal (this gives the vada a nice texture). Add the chopped onions, green chilli, curry leaves and pepper. Mix well.

Heat oil in a deep wok until a small piece of batter dropped in rises up immediately. Shape the vadas and fry until golden brown.

Watch the video to see how to shape the vadas. Remember to grease the foil/plastic wrap and wet your hands in between the process. Else the vada will stick to the foil/wrap and in your hands.

 

Enjoy these crunchy vadas with coconut chutney.Bon Appétit.

 To learn more about the wonderful cookbook, visit http://komalinunna.com/.

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