Medu Vada – South Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Urad Dal Paste

Wash and soak urad dal for 2-4 hours. After soaking, drain the water and grind the dal into a smooth, thick paste using minimal water.

Step 2: Add Chopped Onion

To the prepared urad dal paste, add the finely chopped red onion.

Step 3: Add Green Chilli

Next, add the chopped green chilies to the mixture.

Step 4: Add Coriander Leaves

Incorporate the fresh chopped coriander leaves into the dal mixture.

Step 5: Mix and Season

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Add salt to taste and mix again.

Step 6: Shape the Vadas

Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a donut-like vada with a hole in the center. You can wet your hands slightly to prevent the batter from sticking.

Step 7: Deep Fry the Vadas

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully drop the shaped vadas into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through.

Step 8: Serve

Once fried, remove the Medu Vadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

• Ensure the urad dal paste is thick and fluffy for soft vadas.

• Wet your hands slightly before shaping the vadas to prevent sticking.

• Maintain a medium heat while frying to ensure vadas cook evenly and become golden brown.

• Add a pinch of ginger-garlic paste for extra flavor.

• Include curry leaves for an aromatic touch.