Medu Vada
Medu Vadas are a traditional South Indian dish which can be served as a main course, side dish, or snack. This crispy deliciousness is made with spiced urad dal batter and fried in donut shape dumplings. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are served with Sambar and Coconut Chutney.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split washed urad dal (available in Indian stores)
- 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
- 2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (sabut dhania)
- 1 tablespoon green chili chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (hara dhania)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Oil to fry
Instructions
- Wash and soak dal in about 3 cups of water for about 4-6 hours.
- Drain the water and grind dal to smooth paste using very little water just enough to grind, food processor works good for this. Blend for another 2 minutes to whip dal to make fluffy. Take dal batter out in a wide bowl.
- Add all the ingredients to the dal batter, cilantro, green chili, coriander, asafetida and salt, beat the batter for 2-3 minutes this will make the batter light and fluffy. To make sure batter is ready put one drop of batter in a bowl of water, batter should float.
- Keeping the right consistency of batter is very important; add water as needed batter should not be soft but not runny. When you put the batter on your palm batter should hold its shape. Make the Vadas batter when you are ready to fry them, as the batter sit will get soft if you are not ready to fry keep batter refrigerated.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium high heat.
- The frying pan should have about 1 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in oil. The batter should sizzle and come up but not change color right away. If oil is very hot Vadas will not cook through and will not be crispy.
- Wet the palms and take golf size batter and place over your palm, flatten to round shape and make hole in the center looking like donut now with other hand wet fingers slowly slide Vada into the hot oil.
- Fry the Vadas from both sides to golden brown. Take them out over a paper towel to drain access oil.
- Traditionally Medu Vada is served with Coconut Chutney, and sambar (aromatic lentil soup with vegetables).
Notes
Notes
- If the Medu Vada Batter is too thick: The Vada will shape nicely but they will be hard inside after frying.
- If the batter is too soft: it will not be able to hold the shape and will absorb too much oil.
- It’s the consistency of the batter that determines how soft and shapely the Vadas turn out.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Medu Vada: A South Indian Delicacy
Medu Vada is a South Indian delicacy often served as an appetizer or snack, especially during festive occasions like Yugadi. It is a gluten-free and vegan dish made primarily from urad dal (black gram lentils) batter, seasoned with spices like cumin seeds, black pepper, and curry leaves. The batter is shaped into round doughnuts and deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Medu Vada is commonly enjoyed with coconut chutney or sambar, enhancing its flavor profile and making it a popular choice for those seeking gluten-free and vegan snack options. Medu Vada is a popular South Indian snack known for its crispy exterior and soft interior texture. Originating from the state of Tamil Nadu, it has gained widespread popularity across India and beyond. This medu vada recipe offers a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable treat right in your kitchen.
How to Make Medu Vada: Step-by-Step Recipe
Preparing the Batter
To start making medu vada, you’ll need to prepare the batter first. Begin by soaking urad dal in water for at least 4-5 hours or preferably overnight. The soaked dal should be soft enough to easily break when pressed between your fingers. Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the dal to a blender. Grind it to a smooth paste, adding minimal water as needed. The consistency should be thick, similar to that of a pancake batter. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect texture for your medu vada.
Shaping the Vadas
Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add finely chopped green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Now, heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat. To shape the vadas, wet your palms with water to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the batter and flatten it slightly to form a disc shape with a hole in the center, resembling a donut. Carefully slide the shaped vada into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, frying a few vadas at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Frying to Perfection
Achieving the perfect medu vada requires frying them to crispy perfection. Make sure the oil is adequately heated before adding the vadas to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crunchy exterior. It’s essential to maintain the oil at a consistent temperature throughout the frying process. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy vadas. Fry the vadas in small batches, flipping them occasionally to ensure uniform browning on all sides. Once done, remove the vadas from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Medu vada is best enjoyed hot and crispy, served with coconut chutney and sambar. You can also pair it with a tangy tomato chutney or spicy mint chutney for added flavor. Some prefer to enjoy medu vada with a cup of hot filter coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or evening snack option. Experiment with different dipping sauces and accompaniments to find your favorite combination.
Tips for Making Perfect Medu Vada
- Ensure the urad dal is soaked well to achieve a smooth batter texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature while frying to achieve crispy vadas.
- Wet your palms with water to prevent the batter from sticking while shaping the vadas.
- Add chopped green chilies and ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve medu vada hot for the best taste and texture.
Variations of Medu Vada
While the traditional medu vada recipe calls for basic ingredients like urad dal, spices, and herbs, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste preferences. Some popular variations include:
- Masala Medu Vada: Add coriander leaves and grated carrots to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Rava Medu Vada: Mix semolina (rava) with the urad dal batter to add a crunchy texture to the vadas.
- Vegetable Medu Vada: Incorporate grated vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and spinach into the batter for a nutritious twist.
- Cheese Medu Vada: Stuff the vadas with a cheesy filling or sprinkle grated cheese on top before frying for a gooey, indulgent treat.
Benefits of Medu Vada
Medu vada is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Urad dal, the main ingredient in medu vada, is a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Nutrient-Dense: It contains essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
- Gluten-Free: Since medu vada is made from urad dal, it is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Good Source of Fiber: Including medu vada in your diet can help improve digestion and promote gut health due to its fiber content.
- Energizing Snack: It provides a quick energy boost, making it an ideal snack option for busy days or post-workout refueling.
FAQs about Medu Vada
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can soak the urad dal and grind the batter ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days and fry the vadas when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the vadas?
A: While it’s best to consume medu vada fresh for optimal taste and texture, you can freeze the shaped vadas and fry them directly from frozen when needed. However, freshly fried vadas are recommended for the best flavor.
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: While traditional medu vada is deep-fried for that crispy texture, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown for a healthier alternative.
Q: Can I use split urad dal instead of whole urad dal?
A: Yes, you can use split urad dal (white or black) to make medu vada. However, the texture may vary slightly compared to using whole urad dal.
Q: Can I make gluten-free medu vada?
A: Yes, medu vada is naturally gluten-free since it’s made from urad dal. Just ensure that all ingredients used are gluten-free, especially if adding any additional flavorings or seasonings.
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In conclusion, medu vada is a versatile and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of chutneys and dips. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can recreate this South Indian delicacy at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the crispy goodness of homemade medu vada!
Tapaswini P
April 7, 2020 at 10:23 pmHi, can we whip the batter with an electric whisk?
Manjula Jain
April 8, 2020 at 12:58 amyes
Jyoti friedland
March 3, 2020 at 9:52 amHello Manjula,
I like your recipe informative and straightforward. I just did differently; instead of my hand beating the mixture, I used a whisk and added a pinch of baking soda.
Manjula Jain
March 5, 2020 at 9:05 pmSounds good
shiv
November 22, 2016 at 5:36 amHi mam, i cant get black urid dal in nearby stores, can i use normal white urid dal? What it will taste good?
Manjula Jain
November 22, 2016 at 10:03 amShiv, Recipe ask for normal white urid dal
Krish
October 3, 2016 at 5:01 amHello manjula
I have a doubt. My vada blasted like a bomb today. Can I know the reason you discover happened
Manjula Jain
October 4, 2016 at 10:40 pmKrish I don’t have a answer, I hear that often and once I have experienced,
Melvin
November 11, 2017 at 2:53 pmIf you grind the urad to fine it will burst so you can add 2 teaspoons of rava or Grind the dal little corse.
Nivz
March 26, 2020 at 12:10 pmHad u added anything else in the wada? Once I had added 2 tbps of corn flour to the batter as it had become a little loose and the WADA had blasted. Not a drop of oil was left in the kadhai.
Aarti
June 18, 2016 at 3:53 pmHi
I tried medu vada it was very soft , but excess oil remains what to do now please suggest
shikha
February 10, 2016 at 6:05 amThanks manjula ji ….ur website is very helpful ..I always look for ur website only whenever I need to find any new recipe.. Keep posting new recipes …thanks a lot
Manjula Jain
February 10, 2016 at 7:28 pmshikha, Thank you
Ravikumar
December 27, 2015 at 7:49 pmManjulaji today I seen your website. It has very good and healthy delirious recipes. I like them. Keep sharing them Thank you…
geeta
August 17, 2015 at 7:53 amheĺlo mam
can’t v soak urad daal for a night
Roopa v
July 4, 2015 at 1:15 amI have tried making wada many time
It’s always crispy from outside n v hard from inside. Plss help
Manjula Jain
July 4, 2015 at 9:08 amRoopa,
may be the batter was too thick, heat could be high or needed to whip the batter little bit.
Narayan Nair
June 8, 2015 at 11:49 pmCan onions also be used ?
purvi
May 1, 2015 at 10:51 amHi I tried making mendu wada from readymade batter from outside, but they turned to be very hard. Should I add little hot oil to batter for making soft menduwadas please help.
Manjula Jain
May 2, 2015 at 12:03 amPurvi, Ready made batter should have the directions how to make, I have never used the oil in the batter.
sakeenah
April 28, 2015 at 9:19 pmHi there. Can i use urid dhall flour. If using flour is it still the same measurement ie 1 cup?
Manjula Jain
April 28, 2015 at 9:45 pmsakeenah, flour will not work
Godwin isoken damilola
April 28, 2015 at 2:14 pmLove this site. looking forward to work wit ur firm in future. AGAPE
Parul
April 27, 2015 at 9:50 amHello mam. I tried them so many times they taste good but not soft. I want to know how to check the right consistency.. Sometimes they blast during cooking. Please help me. My daughter loves vada a lot.
Manjula Jain
May 2, 2015 at 12:06 amParul, if batter is too thick that can make vadas hard also need to whip the batter
John
April 16, 2015 at 1:06 amFantastic website and recipes.
I can’t get black urid dal from my local shops. Can I use either black urid beans or white urid dal instead? Would either be a good substitute?
Manjula Jain
April 17, 2015 at 5:33 pmJohn,
The main ingredient for medu vada is urid dal, you can make them using different beand but it will not be medu vada and still will taste great.
archana
March 1, 2014 at 12:39 ami like this recipe
rajashri
December 18, 2013 at 6:37 amnice………… and look very tasty.
Nandhini
December 10, 2013 at 12:32 pmMam, you can add a spoon or two of rice flour which will help the vadas to remain crisp for some more time.. and people do add ginger which is chopped into small pieces which adds a very much good flavour to these vadas.
Manjula Jain
December 20, 2013 at 12:05 amNandhini,
Thanks for the suggestion, I will try next time when I make Medu Vada.
Aditya
November 11, 2013 at 6:36 ammam,thanks for the recipe.. its not the coriander seeds that are used. it’s whole black pepper oly.. using coriander seeds spoils the actual taste of medu vadai.. and also the curry leaves not the coriander leaves..
pooja
June 2, 2015 at 3:44 pmNo its not coriander seeds or black pepper but instead whole cumin seeds and curry leaves are used.