Refreshing Chaas Dahi Vada – Spiced Buttermilk Soaked Vadas

Chaas Dahi Vada Recipe – Dahi Vada in Refreshing Buttermilk

Description:
The Chaas Dahi Vada offers a refreshing twist on the classic dahi vada. In this version, the vadas are soaked in a spiced buttermilk infused with mint, cumin, and other flavorful spices. Perfect as a summer snack or an appetizer for parties, it’s light, flavorful, and full of zest.

Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Vada:

• 1 cup White Urad Dal (Whole)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for pan frying

For the Yogurt (Chaas):

• 3 cups Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)
• 3 cups Water
• 1/4 cup Mint Leaves (Pudina), chopped
• 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder
• 2 Green Chilies, chopped (or more, as per taste)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• 2 teaspoons Sugar (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Soak the Urad Dal:
   Begin by soaking the urad dal in 2 cups of water for 2 hours.

2. Make the Vada Batter:
   After soaking, grind the dal with salt, adding just enough water to form a thick, smooth batter.

3. Cook the Vada:
   Preheat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan and lightly grease each cavity with a pinch of oil. Spoon a dollop of batter into each cavity, cover the pan, and steam on medium heat.
   Optionally, drizzle a little more oil for a crispier texture. Once the vadas are steamed and firm on top, flip them and cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.

4. Soak the Vadas:
   Heat a large pot of water until it comes to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the fried vadas to the hot water in batches, allowing them space to expand. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, or until they turn soft and spongy. Once softened, remove the vadas and drain any excess water without squeezing them. Set the vadas aside in a serving dish.

5. Prepare the Chaas (Spiced Yogurt):
   In a mixer, combine the yogurt, salt, green chilies, cumin seeds, and mint leaves. Blend to form a smooth mixture. Pour this mixture into a large bowl, add the water, and whisk well. Adjust salt and seasonings to taste.

6. Assemble the Chaas Dahi Vada:
   Place the soaked vadas into the prepared chaas. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve your chilled Chaas Dahi Vada as a refreshing appetizer or snack that is both flavorful and light!

Enjoy this classic North Indian recipe with a twist!