Spinach Oats Vada Recipe: A Healthy South Indian Snack
The Spinach Oats Vada Recipe is an exciting, nutritious twist on the classic South Indian snack. Traditionally, vadas are deep-fried, but in this healthier version, we’ve swapped the deep-frying technique for shallow frying, making this recipe a better option for those mindful of their oil intake. The secret ingredient here is spinach, which not only adds a rich green color but also provides essential vitamins and minerals. Combined with the superfood oats and the goodness of chana dal, this vada delivers a crunchy, flavorful snack without the guilt of excess oil. Whether you’re enjoying it as a tea-time treat or as an accompaniment to your meal, this vada will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients for Spinach Oats Vada Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 cup (packed, finely chopped) |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup (boiled, excess water drained and mashed) |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1 cup |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1 (peeled, boiled, and mashed) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Corn flour | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | To shallow fry |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions for Making Spinach Oats Vada
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by boiling the chana dal (Bengal gram) until it is soft. Drain any excess water and mash it well. Similarly, boil and mash the potato. Finely chop the spinach leaves and onion. -
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped spinach leaves, boiled and mashed chana dal, oats, mashed potato, and finely chopped onion. Add the spices: red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Then, sprinkle in the corn flour, asafoetida (hing), and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they form a dough-like consistency. -
Shape the Vadas:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into thin patties or discs. Press the center of each patty lightly with your finger to create a small indentation. -
Shallow Fry the Vadas:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium flame. Place the shaped vadas in the pan and shallow fry them on one side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip the vadas and fry the other side until it is also light brown and crispy. -
Drain and Serve:
Once fried, drain the vadas on a kitchen tissue to absorb any excess oil. Serve the hot and crispy Spinach Oats Vadas with a refreshing coriander-mint chutney (Dhaniya Pudina Chutney) or a classic Kadale chutney (Peanut Chutney) for the perfect snack. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or ginger tea (adrak chai) for an added touch of comfort.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten from oats, though you can substitute with gluten-free oats if necessary. It also includes chickpea (chana dal), which is common in South Asian cuisine and might be an allergen for some individuals. Always ensure that any ingredient substitutions suit your dietary needs.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is completely vegetarian, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan, as no dairy or animal-derived ingredients are used.
- Gluten-Free Option: By substituting the instant oats with certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with spinach, oats, and lentils, this snack is a great source of fiber, iron, and protein.
Advice for Perfecting the Spinach Oats Vada
- Consistency of the Mixture: When mixing the ingredients, make sure the dough holds together well. If itโs too sticky, add a little more corn flour or oats to balance it out.
- Shallow Frying: Donโt overcrowd the pan while frying. Frying the vadas in batches will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the vadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer shelf life, store them in the fridge and reheat before serving to retain their crispness.
Conclusion
The Spinach Oats Vada is a delicious, nutritious alternative to the classic deep-fried vada. This simple and healthy snack is perfect for a quick bite or a party snack, offering the goodness of spinach, oats, and legumes. By shallow frying the vadas, you retain all the flavor with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier choice for your everyday cravings. Serve it with a fresh chutney, and you have a snack thatโs bound to impress everyone!
