Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai Recipe
In the world of South Indian cuisine, the Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai stands out as a delightful snack, perfect for evening tea or coffee. With the unique flavor of drumstick leaves and a crunchy exterior, these lentil fritters are sure to impress anyone who tries them. This recipe guides you through the process of making these delicious vadais, bringing a taste of tradition to your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (gram dal) | 1 cup (soaked) |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Drumstick leaves (Murungai keerai) | 2 cups (chopped) |
| Mint leaves | 10 (chopped) |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 3 teaspoons (finely chopped) |
| Dry red chillies | 4 |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch (grated) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (grated) |
| Cloves (long) | 3 |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Oil | for frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 |
| Protein | Approx. 8g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | Approx. 6g |
| Total Fat | Approx. 8g |
| Saturated Fat | Approx. 1g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 180 minutes | 20 minutes | 200 minutes |
Serving Size
| Servings |
|---|
| 2 |
Course and Cuisine
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| South Indian | Snack |
Diet
| Diet |
|---|
| Vegetarian |
Instructions
To create the delightful Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai, begin your culinary journey by thoroughly washing the chana dal. After cleansing, soak the dal in water for approximately 2 to 3 hours to soften it. This soaking period is essential as it allows the lentils to absorb moisture, making them easier to blend into a smooth mixture.
Once the dal has soaked adequately, take the time to wash and chop the drumstick leaves (Murungai keerai) finely and set them aside. The unique flavor of these leaves is a cornerstone of this recipe, contributing a subtle bitterness and earthiness that pairs beautifully with the spiced dal.
After the soaking time is complete, drain the chana dal and transfer it into a blender. To this, add the grated ginger, grated garlic, dry red chillies, asafoetida, cumin seeds, whole cloves, and salt to taste. While blending, add a small amount of water to assist in creating a smooth paste, but be careful not to make it too watery; a thick consistency is desired for shaping the vadais.
Once you have a smooth mixture, transfer it to a mixing bowl and incorporate the chopped drumstick leaves, finely chopped onions, mint leaves, and fresh coriander. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed throughout the dal mixture. The vibrant colors and fragrant herbs will make this mixture not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Now it’s time to shape the vadais. With clean hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, then flatten them gently to form round discs. This step is crucial as it allows for even cooking and a delightful crunch on the outside.
In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat enough oil over medium heat for frying the vadais. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, your oil is hot enough. Carefully add the flattened vadais to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy vadais.
Fry the vadais until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Once they achieve that perfect golden hue, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.
The Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai is best served hot, and what better way to enjoy these savory delights than with a cup of steaming filter coffee? The combination of flavors and textures, along with the aromatic spices, makes this dish a fantastic addition to your snack repertoire.
Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!
Whether you serve them as a snack or as part of a larger meal, these Murungai Keerai Masala Vadais are sure to bring joy to your table. The preparation is straightforward, and the results are irresistibly delicious. Indulge in the rich traditions of South Indian cooking with this delightful recipe, and savor every bite of these crunchy, flavorful fritters!
