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Close-up of a golden-brown medu vada on a light wood surface.

Medu Vada

Medu Vada are savory lentil doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a popular South Indian breakfast or snack. Enjoy these delicious vadas with coconut chutney and sambar.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 vadas
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Urad Dal (split black lentils, skinless)
  • 1 inch Ginger, finely chopped
  • 2-3 Green Chilies, finely chopped adjust to taste
  • 1 sprig Curry Leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Flour optional, for crispness

Method
 

  1. Wash Urad Dal and soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain water and grind dal to a smooth, thick batter using minimal water.
  3. Add ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and onion (if using) to the batter. Mix well.
  4. Add salt and rice flour (if using). Mix thoroughly.
  5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
  6. Wet hands, shape batter into a doughnut with a hole.
  7. Gently slide vada into hot oil. Fry a few at a time.
  8. Fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally.
  9. Remove vadas and drain on paper towels.
  10. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

Notes

For extra crispy vadas, ensure the batter is thick and not watery. Adding a tablespoon or two of rice flour also helps.