Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai Recipe
Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai, a quintessential South Indian snack, combines the goodness of drumstick leaves (Murungai Keerai) with the crispy texture of chana dal fritters. Perfect as an evening snack, this dish can be deep-fried for a traditional approach or cooked in a paniyaram pan for a healthier twist, requiring only a few drops of oil per vadai. Whether paired with a warm cup of South Indian Filter Coffee or a spiced Masala Chai, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | South Indian Recipes |
| Course | Snack |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 180 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 200 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 cup, soaked |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai) | 2 cups, washed and chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 10 leaves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 3 teaspoons, finely chopped |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch, grated |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For frying or cooking |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170-200 kcal |
| Protein | 6-8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 g |
| Fat | 6-8 g |
| Fiber | 4-6 g |
| Iron | 10-12% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 15-18% of DV |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Wash the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 2-3 hours.
- Rinse the drumstick leaves (Murungai Keerai) well to remove dirt and impurities. Chop the leaves and set aside.
Step 2: Grinding the Mixture
- Drain the soaked chana dal and add it to a blender.
- To the blender, add grated ginger, minced garlic, dry red chillies, asafoetida, cumin seeds, cloves, and the required amount of salt.
- Grind the mixture into a coarse paste. If needed, sprinkle a little water to aid the grinding process.
Step 3: Mixing the Vadai Batter
- Transfer the ground mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped drumstick leaves, finely chopped onion, mint leaves, and coriander leaves to the bowl.
- Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Shaping the Vadai
- Divide the mixture into small lemon-sized portions.
- Gently flatten each portion between your palms to shape the vadai.
Step 5: Frying the Vadai (Traditional Method)
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Carefully drop 3-4 vadai into the hot oil at a time.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the vadai from the oil and drain excess oil on kitchen tissue.
Step 6: Paniyaram Pan Method (Healthier Option)
- Heat a paniyaram (paddu) pan on medium heat.
- Drizzle a few drops of oil into each cavity of the pan.
- Drop small portions of the batter into the cavities.
- Cook for about 2 minutes and flip each vadai using a wooden spoon.
- Cook until golden brown on all sides.
Step 7: Serving Suggestions
Serve the Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai hot and crispy with a steaming cup of South Indian Filter Coffee or spiced Masala Chai. Enjoy it as a tea-time snack or serve it as a delightful starter during festive occasions.
Tips for Perfect Vadai
- Ensure the batter is coarse and not too fine; this helps retain the crispy texture.
- If the batter feels too wet, you can add a spoonful of rice flour to adjust the consistency.
- Always fry the vadai on medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent them from absorbing excess oil.
- The paniyaram pan method is ideal for those looking to reduce oil consumption while still enjoying the traditional flavors.
Why Add Drumstick Leaves?
Drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with vitamins A, C, and iron. Adding them to the vadai not only enhances the flavor but also makes it a nutrient-rich snack that is both delicious and wholesome.
Indulge in this savory snack that beautifully balances tradition, health, and flavor. Your family and guests will surely savor every bite of this delightful Murungai Keerai Masala Vadai!
