Medu Vada With Onion (Savoury Donuts) Recipe
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Introduction
Medu Vada, also known as savory Indian donuts, are a popular South Indian breakfast item. With a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, these vadas are often enjoyed with coconut chutney and sambar. The addition of onions and herbs like curry leaves and coriander gives this dish an aromatic and flavorful twist, making it a delectable treat to start your day.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 3/4 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Ginger (optional) | 1/2 inch piece, finely chopped |
| Baking Soda | A generous pinch |
| Curry Leaves (chopped, optional) | 2 sprigs |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Chopped, as per taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Preparation Time
| Steps | Time |
|---|---|
| Soaking Urad Dal | 4-5 hours |
| Preparation (Grinding) | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Instructions
-
Soak the Dal:
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the white urad dal under running water. Once clean, soak it in enough water for about 4 to 5 hours. This soaking process softens the dal, making it easier to grind into a smooth batter. -
Grind the Batter:
After the dal has soaked, drain the water and transfer the dal into a mixer grinder. Gradually add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, while grinding. The goal is to achieve a thick, smooth, and fluffy paste. Make sure not to add too much water, as it can make the batter runny. -
Aeration for Fluffiness:
Once the dal is ground to a smooth consistency, transfer the batter to a bowl. Mix it thoroughly using your hand. This step is important as it helps in incorporating air into the batter, which will result in light and fluffy vadas. For best results, you can refrigerate the batter overnight, although this step is optional. -
Add the Ingredients:
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the refrigeration and proceed with the next step immediately. Add the finely chopped onions, ginger (if using), curry leaves, coriander leaves, salt, and a pinch of baking soda into the batter. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Shape the Vadas:
Heat sunflower oil in a wok (kadhai) for deep frying. While the oil heats up, wet your hands with water to prevent the batter from sticking. Take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a round disc by placing it on one of your palms. Gently make a hole in the center using the finger of your other hand, giving it the traditional vada shape. -
Fry the Vadas:
Carefully drop the shaped vadas into the hot oil. Fry them on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on one side until the edges turn a light golden brown. Flip the vadas using a slotted spoon and continue frying on the other side until they are evenly golden and crisp. -
Drain Excess Oil:
Once the vadas are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel. This helps in absorbing any excess oil, ensuring that the vadas remain crispy without being overly greasy. -
Serve Hot:
Your Medu Vadas with Onion are now ready to be served! Pair them with South Indian Coconut Chutney or hot sambar for a delicious and hearty breakfast.
Tips for the Perfect Medu Vada
- Aerating the batter: Thorough mixing of the batter is essential to incorporate air, which makes the vadas soft and fluffy.
- Right consistency: Ensure the batter is thick. If the batter is too runny, the vadas may absorb excess oil and lose their shape while frying.
- Shaping technique: Wetting your hands before shaping the vadas helps to prevent the batter from sticking and allows you to make perfect round shapes.
- Oil temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cold, the vadas will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, the vadas will brown too quickly without cooking through.
- Overnight refrigeration: Keeping the batter in the fridge overnight helps the batter develop a slight tangy flavor, adding to the overall taste of the vada.
Variations
-
Medu Vada without Onion:
If you prefer a plain medu vada, you can skip the onions altogether. The traditional medu vada is often made without onions and has a simpler flavor. -
Spicy Medu Vada:
For those who love a bit of heat, you can add finely chopped green chilies or crushed black pepper to the batter for an extra kick. -
Mixed Herb Vada:
While curry leaves and coriander leaves are common herbs used in this recipe, you can experiment by adding mint leaves or even spinach to give your vadas a unique taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Medu Vadas are best enjoyed piping hot, fresh out of the frying pan. Serve them with a variety of South Indian condiments to enhance the flavors:
-
Coconut Chutney:
A classic pairing, this smooth and mildly spiced coconut chutney balances the crispiness of the vadas. -
Tomato-Onion Chutney:
For a tangy twist, serve the vadas with a spicy tomato-onion chutney. -
Sambar:
Medu Vada dipped in a hot bowl of sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) is a quintessential South Indian comfort food. -
Mint-Coriander Chutney:
This green chutney, with its refreshing flavor, pairs wonderfully with the fried goodness of medu vadas.
Storage and Reheating
Medu Vadas are best consumed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispness without making them greasy.
Conclusion
Medu Vada With Onion is a delightful breakfast option that captures the essence of South Indian cuisine. Its combination of crispy texture and flavorful ingredients makes it a beloved dish for all age groups. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a variety of chutneys and sambar, this simple yet satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite in your home. So, why wait? Try out this recipe and bring the vibrant flavors of South India to your breakfast table today!
