Masala vada is a traditional South Indian snack that is prepared by deep frying tikkis made from a dough consisting of chana dal, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. The dish uses coarsely ground lentils, which are combined with ginger, green chilies, onions, curry leaves, and coriander leaves to create small patties, which are then deep-fried until they reach a golden brown and crispy texture. The instructions in my simple recipe will guide you to make masala vada at home.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Masala vada is a popular South Indian snack known for its crispy texture and spicy flavor.
- Serve it with coconut chutney, green chutney, tomato ketchup, onion rings and lemon wedges, cucumber salad, or a hot cup of tea.
- Masala vada offers a mildly spicy, earthy, and nutty taste.
- Other similar recipes are Medu Vada, Dal Vada, Maddur Vada, and Parippu Vada.
The Ingredients:
To make the masala vada mixture:
- 1 cup chana dal (washed, soaked, strained)
- 1 piece ginger (3 inch in size, cut into small pieces)
- 3 pieces green chilies (whole)
- 1 piece onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp curry leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp asafetida (hing)
To deep fry the masala vada:
- Cooking oil (an adequate amount)
I discovered this masala vada recipe at my neighbor’s home during an evening tea visit. The vadas she prepared created a strong odor, which made me want to taste them. The recipe of this dish became necessary for her because its crispy texture and delicious taste made her want to taste it. She explained the recipe to me in full detail which I documented in my kitchen diary.
I prepared it during the next weekend for my husband and two sons and it came out perfectly with a crispy exterior and soft interior matching my previous experience. My husband had it with his evening tea while my sons wanted more. This made me very happy and my effort worthwhile. I was grateful to the lady for sharing this excellent recipe.
How to Make Masala Vada? (Step by Step Guide with Images)
Step 1: Soak 1 cup of washed chana dal in water. Cover and keep aside for 4 hours. Strain them.
Step 2: Blend 1 piece of ginger (3 inches in size, cut into small pieces) and 3 whole green chilies.
Step 3: Grind the soaked chana dal in portions.
Step 4: Transfer it to a bowl. Check texture.
Step 5: Mix 1 piece of onion, 2 tbsp of curry leaves, and 2 tbsp of coriander leaves, all finely chopped, along with 1 tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of asafetida (hing).
Step 6: Make small balls and flatten them to shape the vada.
Step 7: Flip and deep fry them in adequate cooking oil. Remove when crispy and golden.
Step 8: Your crispy and spicy homemade masala vada is ready.
Recipe Card
Masala Vada
Ingredients
To make the masala vada mixture:
- 1 cup chana dal washed, soaked, strained
- 1 piece ginger 3 inch in size, cut into small pieces
- 3 pieces green chilies whole
- 1 piece onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp curry leaves finely chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp asafetida hing
To deep fry the masala vada:
- Cooking oil an adequate amount
Instructions
- Soak 1 cup of washed chana dal in water. Cover and keep aside for 4 hours. Strain them.
- Blend 1 piece ginger (3 inch in size, cut into small pieces) and 3 whole green chilies.
- Grind the soaked chana dal in portions.
- Transfer it to a bowl. Check texture.
- Mix 1 piece of onion, 2 tbsp of curry leaves, and 2 tbsp of coriander leaves, all finely chopped, along with 1 tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of asafetida (hing).
- Make small balls and flatten it to shape the vada.
- Flip and deep fry them in adequate cooking oil. Remove when crispy and golden.
- Your crispy and spicy homemade masala vada is ready.
