Thayir Vada Recipe (Spicy Fritter Soaked In Sweet Yogurt)
Thayir Vada, a delightful combination of spicy fritters soaked in sweet yogurt, is a classic South Indian breakfast dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The crispy fritters, made from urad dal, are soaked in a smooth yogurt mixture and tempered with aromatic spices. Topped with a sprinkle of boondi and fresh coriander leaves, this dish is a beloved treat often served as a snack or appetizer, especially at festive gatherings. Enjoy it with Kara Boondi for a traditional touch that enhances the flavor profile of this dish.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Thayir Vada Recipe
For the batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilli | 2, chopped |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
For yogurt mixture:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
For tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1, halved |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig, finely chopped |
| Oil | For cooking |
For garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boondi | As needed |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A few sprigs, finely chopped |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Soaking urad dal | 2 hours |
| Preparing yogurt mixture | 10 minutes |
| Frying the vadas | 45 minutes |
| Soaking vadas in yogurt | 30 minutes |
Total Time: 60 minutes (not including refrigeration time)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Vada Batter:
- Begin by soaking the white urad dal (whole) in water for approximately 2 hours.
- Once soaked, strain the dal and grind it to a smooth batter. Add green chillies, ginger, asafoetida (hing), and salt while grinding. Add just enough water to achieve a thick and smooth batter consistency.
2. Preparing the Yogurt Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together curd (yogurt), sugar, grated fresh coconut, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Refrigerate the yogurt mixture to chill while you fry the vadas. The cool yogurt enhances the flavor when the vadas are soaked.
3. Frying the Vadas:
- Heat oil in a kuzhi paniyaram pan (or any pan suitable for shallow frying). Drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil to fry the vadas.
- Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- Drain the fried vadas on a paper napkin to remove excess oil.
4. Soaking the Vadas:
- Once the vadas are fried and drained, place them in the chilled yogurt mixture.
- Let them soak in the yogurt for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Tempering:
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds, and once they crackle, add split urad dal. Allow these ingredients to crackle as well.
- Add dry red chillies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the pan. Let the mixture sizzle for a few seconds to release the flavors.
- Pour the tempering over the soaked vadas in the yogurt mixture.
6. Garnishing:
- Just before serving, garnish the vadas with boondi and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of red chilli powder for added color and spice.
Serving Suggestions:
Thayir Vada is best served chilled after being soaked in yogurt. This dish is a fantastic snack or appetizer that can also be enjoyed as part of a full South Indian breakfast. For a complete meal experience, pair your Thayir Vadai with Vegetable Rava Upma and a cup of South Indian Filter Coffee.
Enjoy this delicious and cooling Thayir Vada as a traditional South Indian breakfast or snack, offering a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!
