Cabbage Onion Vada Recipe – A Healthy Twist on a South Indian Classic
Cabbage Onion Vada is a delightful snack that combines the traditional flavor of South Indian vadas with the healthy goodness of cabbage, onions, and green chillies. Made with urad dal (black gram lentils) and packed with vegetables, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious. Instead of deep-frying, which can sometimes make the vada greasy, we use a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan to make it crisp without the excess oil. This version of vada is not only lighter but also much easier to prepare, as it eliminates the difficulty of shaping them perfectly. You can enjoy the crisp, flavorful vadas without needing any accompaniments, though pairing them with a cup of masala chai or green chutney makes for a perfect snack.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Cabbage Onion Vada
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup (soaked for 3 hours) |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/Muttaikose), finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Onions, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Soaking Time for Urad Dal | 3 hours |
| Total Preparation Time | 180 minutes |
Cooking Time:
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time (in Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan) | 40 minutes |
Instructions for Making Cabbage Onion Vada
-
Prepare the Vada Batter:
Start by soaking the urad dal for about 3 hours. After the soaking time, drain the water and grind the dal into a smooth, thick batter. It’s essential to add minimal water to achieve a thick consistency. Add salt to the batter according to your taste. -
Add Vegetables to the Batter:
Once the batter is ready, finely chop the cabbage, onions, green chillies, and ginger. Add these to the batter, along with the chopped coriander leaves. Mix them well into the batter to ensure that the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout. -
Check the Seasoning:
Taste the batter to check if the salt and spice levels are to your liking. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or chillies if desired. -
Cooking in Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan:
Heat the Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan on medium heat. Add a small drop of oil into each cavity of the pan. Once the pan is hot enough, scoop a spoonful of the prepared batter into each cavity. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the vadas to cook. You’ll notice the tops of the vadas becoming firm and cooked. -
Flip the Vadas:
After the top is cooked, add another small drop of oil into each cavity and carefully flip the vadas using a small flat spoon. This will help them cook evenly and become crisp on both sides. -
Check for Doneness:
To check if the vadas are fully cooked, insert the back of a spoon or a knife into the center of one of the vadas. If it comes out clean, the vada is cooked. Continue the same process with the remaining batter, ensuring each vada is cooked thoroughly. -
Serving:
Once all the vadas are cooked, serve them hot. These Cabbage Onion Vadas are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with masala chai or a fresh green chutney.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Onion Vadas
- Texture of the Batter: Ensure that the batter is not too watery. A thick consistency is key to getting the perfect texture of vada.
- Even Cooking: Always ensure the pan is hot before adding the batter, and be patient while flipping the vadas. This will give them that crisp exterior without burning.
- Substitute Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other veggies like carrots or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Make in Advance: These vadas can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in a pan for a crispy snack later.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
This Cabbage Onion Vada is an excellent snack option that blends the traditional flavors of South India with a modern, healthier twist. It’s light, tasty, and full of the goodness of vegetables. Try it out for your next tea-time treat or as a satisfying evening snack. Enjoy the crunch, the flavor, and the simplicity of this incredible vada!
