Dahi Vada With Sweet & Spicy Chutney Recipe
Dahi Vada with Sweet & Spicy Chutney is a quintessential South Indian snack, loved by people of all ages for its delicious and mouthwatering combination of crispy vadas, smooth yogurt, and flavorful chutneys. This dish features soft and fluffy white urad dal fritters soaked in water, topped with tangy yogurt, and garnished with a mixture of spices and a sweet-tart tamarind chutney. With the perfect balance of heat from red chili powder and the savory notes from chaat masala and black salt, this dish becomes a complete treat for your taste buds. This recipe will bring the flavors of India straight to your table, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a delightful snack for gatherings.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup (soaked for 4 hours) |
| Cooking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Other Ingredients | |
| Sweet Chutney (Date & Tamarind) | As required |
| Red Chilli Powder | As required |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | A pinch |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
- Prepare the Urad Dal: Begin by washing and draining the soaked white urad dal thoroughly.
- Grind the Dal: Grind the soaked dal along with a pinch of salt in a food processor or mixer to a coarse paste. Be sure not to add water unless necessaryโonly a small dash if the dal isnโt grinding smoothly. The consistency should be thick, and the paste should feel fluffy.
- Add the Soda: Once the dal paste is ready, add the cooking soda to the mixture. Mix it thoroughly by whisking the batter for about 3-4 minutes. The batter should become airy and light in texture.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Preheat a deep frying pan (kadai) with enough oil to deep fry the vadas. Make sure the oil is moderately hot but not smoking.
- Shape the Vadas: Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking. Take 2 tablespoons of the batter and shape it into a round or oval shape. Carefully slide the shaped vadas into the hot oil. Fry them on a slow flame to ensure they cook evenly. The frying time should be around 8 minutes, and the vadas should turn golden brown and crisp. Avoid frying on high heat to ensure that the insides cook properly.
- Drain the Vadas: Once fried, remove the vadas from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.
- Soak the Vadas: Soak the fried vadas in water for approximately 45 minutes. This step is crucial to soften the vadas so that they can absorb the yogurt and chutney.
- Prepare the Vadas for Serving: After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water from the vadas. Arrange them neatly on a serving dish.
- Assemble the Dahi Vada: Top the soaked vadas with freshly beaten curd (yogurt). You can whisk the curd to smooth out the texture if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle red chili powder, cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of chaat masala over the yogurt-topped vadas. Serve immediately with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
Dahi Vada with Sweet & Spicy Chutney makes for a perfect party snack or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Punjabi Chana Masala, Whole Wheat Onion Stuffed Kulcha, and Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon and Coriander for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of crispy vadas, chilled yogurt, and tangy chutney offers a burst of flavors that is sure to leave everyone asking for more.
Enjoy this easy-to-make yet deeply flavorful South Indian classic right at home, and impress your family and friends with a dish that embodies the heart of Indian street food.
