Stuffed Dahi Vada Recipe
Stuffed Dahi Vada is a delectable Indian snack, combining the goodness of soft, crispy vadas stuffed with a delightful mixture of cashews, raisins, and flavorful seasonings, all drenched in smooth, creamy yogurt. This recipe takes a bit of preparation, but the end result is a perfect combination of textures and tastes. It’s often served as a refreshing side dish for a larger meal or enjoyed as a snack during festivals and gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avarekai (Broad Beans) – soaked overnight | 1/4 cup |
| White Urad Dal (Whole) – soaked overnight | 1/2 cup |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Ginger – grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Chillies – finely chopped | 2 |
| Salt | As required |
| Cashew nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) or Chaat Masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies – finely chopped | 2 |
| Carrot (Gajjar) – grated | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves – finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | As required |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak and Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by soaking the Avarekai (Broad Beans) and White Urad Dal (Whole) overnight in water. This softens the beans and dal, making them easy to blend. -
-
Grind the Mixture:
After soaking, drain the beans and dal, then combine them in a blender. Add just enough water to grind the mixture into a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl. -
Prepare the Seasoning:
Add the finely chopped onions, green chillies, grated ginger, and salt to the batter. Mix thoroughly and set aside for 10 minutes. You can also add chopped curry leaves and fresh coriander at this point for added flavor. -
Stuffing:
In a separate bowl, mix the cashew nuts and raisins. This will be the filling for the vadas. You can roughly chop the cashews if you prefer smaller bits. -
Frying the Vadas:
Heat oil in a deep pan or Kadai. Wet your hands with water to prevent the batter from sticking, and take a spoonful of the batter. Shape it into a small disc. Place a little bit of the prepared stuffing in the center, then cover it with another spoonful of batter. Seal the edges and form a round ball or disc shape. Gently slide the shaped vada into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp. For a healthier alternative, you can cook them in a Paniyaram pan, which requires less oil. -
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) until smooth. Gradually add water to thin it out slightly, stirring to combine. Add the red chilli powder, cumin powder (jeera) or chaat masala, chopped green chillies, and salt to taste. Mix well. -
Soak the Vadas:
Once the vadas are golden and crisp, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, carefully soak the vadas in the prepared yogurt mixture for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step ensures the vadas absorb the creamy, tangy yogurt, making them soft and flavorful. -
Garnish:
Once soaked, garnish the stuffed dahi vadas with freshly grated carrot and finely chopped coriander leaves for a vibrant finish. -
Serve:
Serve the Stuffed Dahi Vada as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma for a hearty meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Stuffed Dahi Vada:
- Soaking Time: The soaking of the dal and beans is crucial. Ensure they are soaked overnight for the best texture.
- Stuffing Variations: While cashews and raisins work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other nuts or dried fruits like almonds or apricots.
- Frying Method: For an extra crisp texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If you’re using a Paniyaram pan, you’ll need to lightly grease it with oil before adding the vada batter.
- Curd Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the yogurt sauce by adding more or less water, depending on your preference. You want it to be smooth but not too runny.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200-250 kcal |
| Protein | ~8-10g |
| Fat | ~12-15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~200-250mg |
| Cholesterol | ~10-15mg |
Stuffed Dahi Vada is a classic dish that reflects the rich culinary traditions of India. The combination of crispy vadas, tangy yogurt, and sweet, nutty filling creates a delightful treat. Whether served as part of a festive meal or enjoyed as a snack, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Indian favorite at home!
