Masala Vada Curry Recipe – Chana Dal Vada Curry Recipe
Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine with this delightful Masala Vada Curry, also known as Chana Dal Vada Curry. This aromatic dish pairs crispy, spiced lentil fritters with a rich and flavorful curry sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply savor a comforting meal, this recipe will guide you through every step.
Ingredients
Below are the carefully selected ingredients that come together to create this mouthwatering Masala Vada Curry. Fresh and wholesome, each component plays a crucial role in achieving the signature flavors of this dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Curry Leaves | 5 |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns | 2 |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Green Chilli – slit | 1 |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 |
| Ginger – finely chopped | 1 inch |
| Garlic – finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 4 sprigs (or coriander leaves as required) |
Nutritional Information
While the specific nutritional values may vary based on precise ingredient quantities and methods of preparation, this dish is generally nutritious, being high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 3
Instructions
Preparing the Masala Vada
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Soak the Chana Dal: Begin by thoroughly washing and soaking the chana dal in water for about 2 hours. This step is essential for softening the lentils, making them easier to grind and blend.
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Grind the Batter: Once the dal has soaked, drain it and add it to a blender along with the dry red chili, curry leaves, fennel seeds, and a pinch of salt. Coarsely grind the mixture, adding just a few drops of water if necessary, until you achieve a thick batter consistency. Avoid making it too runny, as the vada needs to hold its shape.
-
Steam or Fry the Vada: You have two options for cooking the vada:
- Steaming Method: Spoon the batter into idli plates and steam them like you would steam idlis, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Pan-Frying Method: Alternatively, you can use a paniyaram pan, heating a little sunflower oil in each cavity and frying the vada until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides, ensuring you drizzle oil as needed.
Making the Curry
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil over medium flame. Add the whole black pepper, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, slit green chili, curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onions become golden and aromatic.
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Add the Tomato Puree and Spices: Once the onions are golden, incorporate the homemade tomato puree and the masala powders: turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a brisk boil and the oil begins to separate.
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Cook the Curry: Pour in enough water to achieve your desired curry consistency. Allow the curry mixture to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and cook the spices thoroughly.
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Incorporate the Vada: Gently drop the prepared masala vada into the curry mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on medium flame for about 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the vada will absorb the flavors of the curry, thickening the sauce.
-
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Finally, add the chopped mint leaves (or coriander leaves, if using) to the curry and give it a gentle stir to combine everything well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the delicious Masala Vada Curry hot, accompanied by Tawa Paratha, Palak Raita, and a refreshing Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad for a wholesome weekday meal. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with Ghee Roast Dosa or a traditional Karnataka Style Set Dosa, allowing you to enjoy a truly authentic South Indian feast.
Conclusion
This Masala Vada Curry not only tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant flavors but also brings together the essence of South Indian cooking, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the experience of cooking this wonderful recipe that embodies the warmth and love of home-cooked meals. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
