Dal Vada, also known as Dal Fritters, is a popular snack from India that is made from lentils, spices, and herbs. It is a savory and crispy fritter that is often served with chutney or as a side dish to a main meal.
The main ingredients for making Dal Vada are chana dal (split Bengal gram), onions, green chilies, ginger, and fresh coriander leaves. The spices used in this recipe vary from region to region and may include cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. The addition of these spices gives the fritters a distinctive flavor and aroma.
Dal Vada is a popular street food in India and is often served with green chutney or tamarind chutney. It is also commonly served as a snack during festivals and special occasions.
This recipe is a good source of protein and is a popular vegetarian snack option. It can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour substitute instead of the traditional wheat flour used for binding.
Ingredients for dal vada:
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions for dal vada:
- Wash the chana dal and soak it in water for at least 4 hours.
- Drain the water and grind the dal coarsely in a food processor or blender, adding very little water if necessary.
- In a bowl, mix the ground dal, onion, green chilies, ginger, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Shape the dal mixture into small patties or balls.
- Gently slide the patties or balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove the vadas from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve hot with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
Enjoy your delicious Dal Vadas!
Serving suggestions
Dal Vada makes a great snack on its own. Serve it hot and crispy with a side of green chutney or tamarind chutney for dipping. It also pairs well with other Indian dishes as a side dish. You can serve it alongside rice dishes like biryani or pulao, or with curries like chana masala or aloo gobi.
Dal Vada also makes a great accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee. Serve it as a snack with your favorite hot beverage for a satisfying mid-day snack.
Chaat is a popular Indian street food that typically consists of a combination of crispy, spicy, and tangy ingredients. Dal Vada can be a great addition to a chaat platter. Simply break up the vadas into bite-sized pieces and top with chutney, yogurt, diced vegetables, and sev (crispy noodles).
Tips and Variations
- Soak the chana dal for at least 4-5 hours to ensure that it is soft enough to grind easily.
- Grind the dal coarsely, so that the vadas have a crispy texture and don’t become too dense.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the dal mixture to make the vadas extra crispy.
- Fry the vadas on medium heat to ensure that they cook through evenly without burning.
- Replace the chana dal with other lentils like moong dal or urad dal for a different taste and texture.
- Stuff the dal mixture with a small piece of paneer or a spicy potato filling to make stuffed vadas.
- Replace the chana dal with other lentils like moong dal or urad dal for a different taste and texture.
- If you plan to make dal vada on fasting, then you can easily omit adding onions.
FAQs about dal vada
- Q: Is Dal Vada vegetarian?
A: Yes, It is a vegetarian dish that is made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) and other vegetarian ingredients.
- Q: Is Dal Vada healthy?
A: It can be a healthy snack option when eaten in moderation. Chana dal is a good source of protein and other nutrients, and the vadas are typically fried in small amounts of oil. To make them healthier, you can also bake them in the oven instead of frying.
- Q: What is the difference between Dal Vada and Medu Vada?
A: Dal Vada and Medu Vada are both fritters made from lentils, but they are prepared differently. Dal Vada is made from coarsely ground chana dal mixed with onions, spices, and other ingredients, while Medu Vada is made from ground urad dal (black gram) and has a different shape and texture.
- Q: Can I make Dal Vada ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. However, they are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
Nutrition
| Calories | 82 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Sodium | 139 mg |
| Potassium | 7 mg |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 25 IU |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Also read:
- Chicken Momos Recipe (step by step)
- Paneer do pyaza recipe
- how to make paneer butter masala
- Palak Paneer Recipe
- Paneer Dum Biryani Recipe
