Andhra Style Multi Lentil Garelu (Vada Recipe)
If you’re looking for a traditional South Indian breakfast with a crunchy exterior and soft interior, Andhra Style Multi Lentil Garelu (Vada) is the perfect dish to try. These delicious fritters are made using a blend of lentils and rice flour, providing a hearty yet flavorful option to start your day. Paired with chutney, these vadas are sure to be a hit on your breakfast table or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Rice flour | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3/4 cup |
| Green Chillies | 8 to 9, finely chopped |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 5 to 6 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely grated |
| Water | As required for batter |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Vitamin A | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Calcium | 2% |
| Iron | 6% |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the portion size and specific ingredients used.
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Dals: Begin by dry grinding the Chana dal, Yellow Moong dal, and White Urad dal coarsely. Ensure the lentils are dry and clean before grinding. |
| 2 | Mix Rice Flour: After grinding the dals, mix in the rice flour thoroughly. This will help in providing the crispy texture to the vadas. |
| 3 | Make the Batter: Add the grated ginger and chopped green chillies into a grinder along with the dal-rice flour mixture. Add enough water to make a thick batter. The batter should be thicker than usual to help shape the vadas. |
| 4 | Season the Batter: Once the batter is prepared, stir in salt, finely chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves, and whole wheat flour. Ensure that the consistency remains thick. Adjust water only if absolutely necessary. The batter should resemble dough in texture. |
| 5 | Shape the Vadas: To shape the vadas, grease a piece of parchment or butter paper lightly with oil. Take a golf ball-sized portion of the dough and place it on the greased paper. Use your fingers to flatten the dough into a disc, and make a small hole in the center. This traditional shape is crucial for ensuring even frying. |
| 6 | Deep Fry: Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide the vada from the parchment paper into the oil. Fry until both sides turn a beautiful golden brown, flipping as needed. This will take approximately 4-5 minutes per vada. |
| 7 | Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, remove the vadas and place them on a kitchen towel to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the vadas light and crunchy. |
| 8 | Serve: Serve the freshly fried Andhra Style Multi Lentil Garelu hot with a side of your favorite chutney. Coconut chutney or spicy tomato chutney pairs well with these crispy vadas. |
Tips for the Perfect Vada:
- Consistency of the Batter: The key to achieving crispy vadas lies in the batter consistency. It should be thick enough to shape but not too runny, or else the vadas will not hold their shape in the oil.
- Deep Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the vadas will brown quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the vadas will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Shaping Technique: Always grease your hands or parchment paper with a little oil before shaping the vadas. This prevents the batter from sticking to your fingers or the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these vadas without deep frying?
- While the traditional method calls for deep frying, you can opt for an air fryer. Simply shape the vadas, brush them with a little oil, and air fry them at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the texture may differ slightly from deep-fried vadas.
2. How do I store leftover vadas?
- It’s best to serve vadas immediately after frying, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can either use a microwave for 20-30 seconds or place them in an oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the batter?
- Yes! You can enhance the flavor by adding finely chopped onions, grated carrots, or even spinach to the batter. This adds a unique flavor and makes the vadas even more nutritious.
Chutney Pairings for Multi Lentil Garelu
Here are a few chutneys that pair perfectly with these vadas:
- Coconut Chutney: A classic South Indian side dish made with freshly grated coconut, green chillies, and tempered mustard seeds.
- Spicy Tomato Chutney: Tangy and spicy, this chutney made with ripe tomatoes, onions, and spices is a fantastic contrast to the vadas.
- Mint Coriander Chutney: This refreshing chutney made with fresh mint, coriander leaves, and a hint of green chillies adds a burst of flavor to the crispy vadas.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Andhra Style Multi Lentil Garelu is not only a delightful breakfast option but also a great snack for any time of the day. Packed with protein from the various lentils and a burst of flavor from the herbs and spices, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re familiar with South Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, these vadas are sure to impress your taste buds.
So gather your ingredients, heat up your frying pan, and get ready to enjoy the delicious, crispy Andhra Style Multi Lentil Garelu right in your home!
This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for anyone who loves traditional South Indian breakfasts with a unique twist. Try serving it with one of the chutneys listed above, and don’t forget to enjoy it hot for the best flavor experience!
