Spinach Oats Vada Recipe – A Nutritious South Indian Snack
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks, then this Spinach Oats Vada recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the goodness of spinach, oats, and chana dal, this snack is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent option for a mid-day snack or even a breakfast item when paired with your favorite chutney and a cup of filter coffee. Let’s dive into the steps to prepare this tasty treat.
Ingredients for Spinach Oats Vada Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Chana dal (boiled and mashed) | 1/4 cup |
| Oats | 1 cup |
| Potato (boiled) | 1 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Corn flour | 1 tsp |
| Hing (asafoetida) | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 150-200mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
How to Make Spinach Oats Vada
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Finely chop the spinach leaves and set them aside. If you haven’t already, boil the chana dal and mash it gently. Boil the potato and mash it as well. Chop the onion finely.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped spinach, boiled and mashed chana dal, oats, mashed potato, chopped onion, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, corn flour, a pinch of hing, and salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Vada
Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round balls. Flatten them slightly into the shape of a patty or tikki. Using your finger, create a small hole in the center of each vada to give it the characteristic shape of a traditional vada.
Step 4: Fry the Vada
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the shaped vadas into the oil. Fry them on medium heat, turning them occasionally until they become golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Once the vadas are fried to a crispy perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve the Spinach Oats Vada hot with your choice of chutneys. You can pair it with coriander-mint chutney, kadale chutney, or any other chutney you love. For a truly authentic South Indian experience, enjoy these vadas with a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee.
Tips for Perfect Spinach Oats Vada:
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Use Quick Oats: For the best texture, use quick oats instead of rolled oats. Quick oats will bind better with the rest of the ingredients, giving the vadas a firmer structure.
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Adjust Spices to Taste: If you like your snacks spicier, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder or even add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor.
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Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is not too hot, as this will make the vadas brown quickly on the outside but remain uncooked inside. Fry on medium heat for even cooking.
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Customizable Add-ins: You can also experiment by adding other ingredients like grated carrots, grated cheese, or even chopped cashews to the mixture for an extra crunch.
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Healthier Alternative: If you’re looking to reduce oil consumption, you can also opt for shallow frying or air frying the vadas for a lighter version.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Oats Vada:
- Packed with nutrients: With ingredients like spinach, oats, and chana dal, this vada is rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy alternative to regular fried snacks.
- Perfect for snack time: This is an excellent option for a mid-day snack or a light evening treat, especially when you crave something crunchy and savory.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free: This dish is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free (if using gluten-free oats), making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Spinach Oats Vada is a wonderful fusion of traditional South Indian flavors with the added health benefits of oats and spinach. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or pairing it with your favorite chutney and coffee, this vada is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s crispy, flavorful, and a great way to get your greens in a fun and delicious way. Enjoy!
