Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
2
servings
0.75 cup

White Urad Dal (Split)

soaked

1 unit

Onion

finely chopped

0.5 inch

Ginger

optional

1 pinch

Baking soda

2 sprig

Curry leaves

chopped (optional)

1 unit

Coriander (Dhania) Leaves

chopped

1 tsp

Salt

1 ml

Sunflower Oil

to deep fry

Step 1
~3 min

Wash and soak the urad dal for 4 to 5 hours.

Step 2
~3 min

Grind the soaked urad dal into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder, adding water gradually.

Step 3
~3 min

Mix the batter thoroughly by hand to aerate it.

Step 4
~3 min

Optionally, refrigerate the batter overnight for better fermentation.

Step 5
~3 min

Add finely chopped onion, ginger (optional), baking soda, chopped curry leaves (optional), chopped coriander leaves, and salt to the batter.

Step 6
~3 min

Mix all the ingredients well.

Step 7
~3 min

Heat sunflower oil in a wok/kadhai for deep frying.

Key Technique: Deep frying
Step 8
~3 min

Wet your hands with water.

Step 9
~3 min

Take a portion of the batter and place it on one palm.

Step 10
~3 min

Make a hole in the center with a finger from the other hand to form a donut shape.

Step 11
~3 min

Gently drop the vada into the hot oil.

Step 12
~3 min

Fry for 1-2 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 13
~3 min

Flip the vada and fry until golden brown on the other side.

Step 14
~3 min

Remove the vada and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 15
~3 min

Serve hot with South Indian Coconut Chutney.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Soaking the urad dal properly is crucial for a light and fluffy vada.

Adding onion gives a unique flavor to the traditional medu vada.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 mins

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Batter can be made a day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with Coconut Chutney and Sambar.

Enjoy as a snack or breakfast.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Coconut Chutney
Sambar

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

South India

Cultural Significance

A popular South Indian breakfast and snack item.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Diwali
Pongal

Occasion Tags

Breakfast
Snack
Party Appetizer

Popularity Score

75/100

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