If you’re looking for a tasty and spicy snack to munch on, look no further than masala vada. This savory fritter is a popular street food in South India and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll show you how to make this delicious snack at home with our easy-to-follow masala vada recipe.

Introduction

Masala vada is a popular South Indian snack made with chana dal, spices, and herbs. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a spicy and savory flavor that’s perfect for snacking. This delicious snack is often served with coconut chutney or tomato sauce and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Ingredients

To make masala vada, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• oil for deep-frying

Preparation

Before you start making masala vada, you’ll need to soak the chana dal for a few hours. This will soften the dal and make it easier to grind. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Rinse the chana dal in water and soak it in enough water for 2-3 hours.
2. Drain the water from the dal and transfer it to a mixer grinder.

Step-by-step Instructions

Now that you’ve soaked the chana dal, it’s time to make the masala vada. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Soaking the Chana Dal

As mentioned earlier, soak the chana dal in enough water for 2-3 hours. This will make it easier to grind.

2. Grinding the Dal Mixture

1. Drain the water from the soaked chana dal and transfer it to a mixer grinder.
2. Grind the dal to a coarse mixture. Do not grind it too fine as it will not give the vada its crispy texture.

3. Adding Spices and Herbs

1. Transfer the ground dal mixture to a mixing bowl.
2. Add chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
3. Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
4. Mix everything well to form a dough.

4. Shaping the Vadas

1. Heat oil for deep-frying in a kadhai or a deep frying pan.
2. Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into a ball.
3. Flatten the ball slightly and make a small hole in the center to form a vada.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

5. Frying the Vadas

1. Once the oil is hot, add the shaped vadas to the oil in small batches.
2.  Fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Masala vada is best served hot and crispy. You can enjoy it with coconut chutney, tomato sauce, or any other dip of your choice. It’s a great snack to serve at parties or as an evening snack.

Tips and Tricks

• Soak the chana dal for at least 2-3 hours to make it easier to grind.
• Do not grind the dal too fine as it will not give the vada its crispy texture.
• Use fresh spices and herbs to get the best flavor.
• Fry the vadas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden brown.

Health Benefits

Masala vada is a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to the chana dal. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a healthier snack option than many other fried foods. The spices and herbs used in the recipe also have various health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting immunity.

Conclusion

Masala vada is a delicious and spicy South Indian snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can make this tasty fritter at home and enjoy it with your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try!

FAQs

1. 1. Can I use other types of dal to make masala vada? Yes, you can use other dals like moong dal or urad dal, but the texture and taste will be different.
   2. How long can I store masala vada? Masala vada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
   3. Can I bake masala vada instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the vadas in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as the fried ones.
   4. Can I make masala vada without onions? Yes, you can skip the onions if you don’t like them, but they add a lot of flavor to the vada.
   5. Is masala vada vegan? Yes, masala vada is a vegan snack as it does not contain any animal products.