Crispy Avarekalu Masala Vada – South Indian Snack Recipe

Avarekalu Masala Vada Recipe – A Crisp and Flavorful South Indian Snack

Avarekalu Masala Vada, a popular South Indian snack, is a crunchy, spicy, and savory delight made with chana dal (Bengal gram), avarekalu (field beans), and aromatic spices. This crispy fritter, also known as vada, is the perfect accompaniment to your evening chai or can be enjoyed as a tea-time snack with chutneys like dhaniya pudina chutney or a tangy tomato chutney. Ideal for festive occasions, gatherings, or simply as a comfort food, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients for Avarekalu Masala Vada

Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions to Make Avarekalu Masala Vada

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing the chana dal thoroughly and soaking it in water for about 1 hour. At the same time, wash the avarekalu (field beans) and cook them in a pressure cooker for one whistle with just enough water to cover them. After the pressure releases, drain the excess water and set the cooked beans aside. This step helps soften the beans and brings out the earthy flavor.

2. Grind the Mixture: Once the field beans are cooked and cooled, place them in a blender along with the soaked chana dal. Add the dry red chillies and grind the mixture coarsely. The field beans will mash easily, while the chana dal should remain slightly coarse for texture. You can choose to grind them separately if preferred, but grinding them together gives the vada a unified consistency.

3. Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the ground mixture into a large mixing bowl. Now, add the gram flour (besan), red chili powder, fennel seeds, chopped onions, finely chopped garlic, curry leaves, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt to taste. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to shape into vadas. If the mixture appears too runny, you can add more gram flour to thicken it.

4. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of the batter into the hot oil. If the batter rises to the top immediately, the oil is at the correct temperature. It should be hot but not smoking.

5. Shape and Fry the Vadas: Take a small ball of the batter and flatten it between your palms to form a round, flat disc. Gently slide the shaped vada into the hot oil. Fry the vadas on a low flame, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding the oil, as this could lead to uneven cooking.

6. Drain and Serve: Once the vadas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.

7. Serving Suggestions: Serve the hot and crispy Avarekalu Masala Vadas with a side of fresh dhaniya pudina chutney or a cup of adrak chai (ginger tea) for the perfect snack experience. The crunch of the vada combined with the tangy chutney is sure to delight your taste buds.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Cooking Tips

• You can add a variety of spices like garam masala or cumin powder to enhance the flavor of the vadas.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can air-fry the vadas or bake them, though the texture may not be as crispy as deep-fried vadas.
• Avarekalu can also be substituted with other beans like broad beans if they are unavailable.

Enjoy this delightful South Indian snack that’s rich in protein and fiber, perfect for a cozy evening with friends or family. The Avarekalu Masala Vada is sure to become a household favorite, and with its irresistible flavor, it’s bound to make you crave more!