Ambode Recipe (Karnataka Style Masala Vada)
A Flavorful Vegetarian Snack to Delight Your Taste Buds
Ambode, also known as Karnataka Style Masala Vada, is a popular snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This crispy, savory fritter is made from chana dal (Bengal gram) and is packed with aromatic herbs and spices, making it a perfect snack for tea time or as an appetizer. With its golden brown exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, Ambode is a treat that pairs wonderfully with chutneys or yogurt. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 cup |
| Dill leaves (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilies (adjustable) | 6 to 7 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Rice flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | As required |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | Pinch |
| Sunflower oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Soaking Chana Dal | 4 hours or overnight |
| Preparation (Chopping & Grinding) | 15 minutes |
| Total Preparation Time | 300 minutes (including soaking time) |
Cooking Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Frying Ambode | 60 minutes |
| Total Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
Total Time Required
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 360 minutes (6 hours) |
Servings
- 20 Ambodes (Vadas)
Cuisine
- Karnataka
Course
- Snack
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Chana Dal: Begin by soaking the chana dal in plenty of water for about 4 hours, or if you prefer, overnight. This softens the dal and makes it easier to grind.
-
Grind the Dal: After soaking, rinse the dal thoroughly. Using a food processor or a stone grinder, grind the soaked chana dal into a coarse paste. Be sure not to add any water while grinding; the moisture from the soaked dal should be enough.
-
Prepare the Spice Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground dal paste with the finely chopped onion, green chilies, ginger, turmeric powder, salt, and asafoetida (hing). Mix in the chopped dill and coriander leaves, and stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
-
Add Rice Flour: Add 3 tablespoons of rice flour to the mixture. This will help the dough hold its shape while frying and give the Ambode a crispier texture.
-
Shape the Ambodes: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls. Then, gently flatten each ball into a small round circle with your hands.
-
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or kadai, pour sunflower oil and heat it on medium flame. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough for frying.
-
Fry the Ambodes: Carefully drop the flattened dough circles into the hot oil, one by one. Fry the Ambodes on medium heat, turning them occasionally, until both sides turn a golden brown. Make sure to fry them in batches so that the oil temperature remains stable and the Ambodes cook evenly.
-
Drain Excess Oil: Once the Ambodes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
-
Serve: Serve the freshly fried Ambodes hot with tomato garlic chutney, tomato chutney, or any chutney of your choice for a flavorful snack experience.
Tips for the Perfect Ambode
- Soaking the dal: Ensure the dal is soaked well to achieve the right texture. If you’re in a hurry, soaking for at least 2 hours is recommended.
- Consistency: The batter should be thick and coarse. If it is too watery, the Ambodes might break while frying.
- Spices: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice tolerance. You can also add other spices like cumin or fennel for a different flavor profile.
- Frying: Always fry on medium heat to avoid burning the outer layer while the inside remains uncooked.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Why You’ll Love Ambode
Ambode is not just a snack; it’s a reflection of the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka. The combination of chana dal, fresh herbs, and spices creates a wonderfully savory flavor, while the crispy exterior and soft interior offer a delightful contrast. It’s versatile, easy to make, and pairs well with a variety of chutneys or even a dollop of yogurt. Whether served as a teatime snack, appetizer, or party food, Ambode will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
So, why not try this delicious recipe today? Prepare a plate of hot, crispy Ambode and enjoy a little taste of Karnataka at home!
