Medu Vada With Onion (Savoury Donuts) Recipe
Medu Vada is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that has won the hearts of people not just across India but globally. These crispy, golden-brown savory donuts are traditionally enjoyed as a delightful breakfast or as a tea-time snack. Often referred to as “savoury donuts,” their distinctive shape, reminiscent of a donut, makes them a visually appealing dish. For many, including myself, these golden bites are so delicious that they can be devoured on their own, with no accompaniment needed. Once you start munching on these crispy treats, itโs hard to stop at just one! Their addictive texture and flavor make them a must-try for anyone who enjoys South Indian cuisine.
Ingredients for Medu Vada With Onion (Savoury Donuts)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 3/4 cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch (optional) |
| Baking soda | A generous pinch |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped (optional) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Chopped, to taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Method to Prepare Medu Vada With Onion
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Soaking the Urad Dal: Begin by washing the white urad dal (split) thoroughly. Soak it in enough water for around 4 to 5 hours. This soaking step is essential to achieve the perfect consistency and texture of the vadas.
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Grinding the Dal: After soaking, drain the water and grind the urad dal into a smooth batter using a mixer grinder. While grinding, add little water at a time, ensuring the batter doesnโt become too runny. The batter should have a thick consistency, similar to a thick pancake batter.
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Aerating the Batter: Once the dal is ground, use your hands to mix the batter thoroughly. This aeration process helps the vadas puff up beautifully while frying. After mixing, cover the batter and let it rest in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can proceed with the next steps immediately, but the resting period helps achieve a better texture.
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Preparing the Ingredients: In a bowl, add finely chopped onions, grated ginger (if using), curry leaves, coriander leaves, baking soda, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with the prepared batter. Ensure the mixture is well-combined for uniform flavor in every bite.
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Frying the Vadas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Wet your hands with water to prevent the batter from sticking. Take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a round ball using one palm, making a hole in the center with your finger to form a doughnut-like shape.
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Frying Process: Gently slide the shaped vada into the hot oil. Fry the vadas in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown. Turn them over gently and fry the other side until the vada is golden brown and crisp on both sides. This will take around 3-4 minutes for each batch.
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Draining the Vadas: Once the vadas are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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Serving: Serve your Medu Vada with Onion hot and crispy, paired with a side of South Indian Coconut Chutney for a delectable breakfast experience.
Allergen Information
This dish contains the following potential allergens:
- Legumes (Urad Dal): Those with a legume allergy should avoid consuming this dish.
- Wheat (if used in certain variations of the batter): Ensure that the recipe does not include wheat flour to avoid gluten-related concerns.
- Ginger: While not a common allergen, ginger may cause issues for individuals sensitive to it.
- Curry leaves & Coriander: Though not common allergens, some individuals may have mild sensitivities to these herbs.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Medu Vada is completely vegetarian, making it an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free (If prepared without wheat flour): The traditional recipe for Medu Vada uses urad dal and no wheat products, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet if you ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients are added.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Medu Vada
- Consistency of the Batter: The consistency of the batter plays a crucial role in how well the vadas will fry. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the oil but not so stiff that it wonโt form the characteristic donut shape.
- Resting Time: Although itโs tempting to skip the overnight resting time in the fridge, allowing the batter to rest results in fluffier, lighter vadas with a crispy exterior.
- Shape & Size: The traditional shape of Medu Vada is round with a hole in the middle, much like a donut. Ensure you maintain the hole so the vada cooks evenly.
- Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the vadas will burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, they will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Conclusion
Medu Vada With Onion (Savoury Donuts) is a delectable South Indian treat that is crispy, savory, and irresistible. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a tea-time snack, or even as an appetizer, these flavorful vadas are sure to be a hit. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of love, theyโre perfect for anyone looking to try authentic South Indian cuisine at home. With the perfect balance of spices, the crunch of the vada, and the fresh herbs, Medu Vada offers a wholesome, satisfying experience in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, fry up these golden beauties, and treat yourself and your family to this scrumptious snack!
