Perfect Plain vada / Urad dal vada

Plain Vada (Urad Dal Vada)

Set 1: Batter

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole urad dal
• A few tablespoons of water (for grinding)

Set 2: Seasoning

Ingredients

• 2 green chilies, very finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp curry leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, very finely chopped
• 2 pinches baking soda
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp rice flour (optional)

Additional

• Oil, for deep frying

Method

1. Wash and soak the urad dal in water for 4 hours.
2. Drain the soaked dal completely and transfer it to a grinder. Grind into a smooth, thick batter using only a few tablespoons of water as needed.
3. Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl.
4. Beat the batter vigorously with a spoon or your hands for 5–10 minutes. This helps incorporate air, resulting in soft and fluffy vadas.
5. Add all the ingredients listed under Set 2 and mix thoroughly until well combined.
6. Heat oil in a deep, wide pan over medium-low heat.
7. Lightly wet your hands with water. Take a small portion of batter, shape it into a ball, flatten it slightly, and make a hole in the center to form a traditional vada (donut shape).
8. Carefully slide the shaped vada into the hot oil and deep-fry until light golden brown and crisp on both sides.
9. Remove the vadas using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
10. Serve hot with peanut chutney, coconut chutney, or sambar.

Note

For another variation, add 2 cups of finely chopped spinach to the prepared batter and mix well before frying. This makes delicious and flavorful Spinach Vadas.