Crispy Tamil Nadu Masala Dal Vada Recipe – South Indian Snack

Tamil Nadu Style Masala Dal Vada Recipe

This Tamil Nadu Style Masala Dal Vada is a delightful South Indian snack that captures the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Tamil Nadu cuisine. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these dal vadas are packed with protein-rich ingredients and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for an evening tea-time snack or to serve as an appetizer at gatherings, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of South India. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients for Tamil Nadu Style Masala Dal Vada

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 250 minutes (includes soaking and frying)

Total Time: 260 minutes

Servings: 2

Cuisine: South Indian

Course: Snack

Diet: High Protein Vegetarian

Instructions for Tamil Nadu Style Masala Dal Vada

1. Soaking the Dal:

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   • Begin by soaking chana dal (Bengal gram) and urad dal (split black gram) in water for about 3-4 hours. This soaking process softens the dal and helps it blend easily into a coarse batter.

2. Grinding the Dal:

   • After soaking, drain the water from the dals. Keep aside about 2 tablespoons of dal separately.
   • Using a grinder or food processor, grind the soaked dals into a coarse mixture, adding little to no water. This step ensures the texture is perfect for shaping the vadas.
   • Take the ground dal mixture out and set aside in a large bowl.

3. Mixing the Ingredients:

   • To the ground dal, add the finely chopped onion, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and curry leaves.
   • Then, sprinkle in the fennel seeds, crushed ginger, finely chopped garlic, and asafoetida (hing).
   • Add salt to taste, and adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
   • Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated.

4. Thickening the Batter:

   • Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of dal to the mixture. This step thickens the batter, making it easy to shape the vadas and ensuring they hold together during frying.

5. Shaping the Vadas:

   • Take small portions of the dal mixture in your hand and shape them into round, flat patties. Ensure the vadas are not too thick, as they need to cook evenly on both sides.

6. Frying the Vadas:

   • Heat a kadai (wok) or deep frying pan with enough sunflower oil to deep-fry the vadas.
   • To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the batter into the oil. If it rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
   • Carefully drop the shaped vadas into the hot oil, one by one. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even cooking.
   • Fry the vadas, turning them occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.

7. Draining and Serving:

   • Once the vadas are fried, remove them from the oil using a skimmer or slotted spoon. Place them on a paper towel or napkin to drain any excess oil.
   • Serve the Masala Dal Vada hot, paired with a cup of Masala Chai (spiced tea) for the ultimate enjoyment. These vadas also pair well with a creamy Paal Payasam (Rice Kheer/Pudding) for a traditional South Indian meal experience.

Tips for the Perfect Masala Dal Vada:

• For an extra crispy texture, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying the vadas.
• You can make the vada mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before shaping and frying.
• If you prefer a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can add a pinch of turmeric to the batter for a touch of color and a mild earthy flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Final Thoughts

Tamil Nadu Style Masala Dal Vada is a crispy, golden-brown snack that perfectly captures the essence of South Indian street food. With its blend of protein-rich dals, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs, this recipe makes for a wholesome treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a family gathering or simply enjoying it with a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, these vadas will quickly become a favorite in your snack repertoire. Enjoy the flavors of Tamil Nadu right in your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe!