Dal Vada | Crispy Dal Vada | Chana Dal Vada | South Indian Dal Vada

Dal vada is a crisp and flavourful snack made by grinding soaked lentils with simple spices and herbs before frying until golden. The outside turns crisp while the inside remains soft with a slight bite from the lentils. Coarsely grinding the dal helps create a better texture, and frying on medium heat ensures even cooking without absorbing excess oil. It is a popular tea-time snack that can also be served as a starter with green chutney or ketchup.

Preparation Time
10 minutes

Soaking Time
Nil

Cooking Time
10 minutes

Makes
7-8

Dal Vada | Crispy Dal Vada | Chana Dal Vada | South Indian Dal Vada — recipe by Renu Dalal

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 Cup soaked Chana dal
    • 1/2 tsp jeera
    • 1 tbsp rice flour
    • 1/2 tbsp ginger green chilli paste
    • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
    • 7-8 chopped curry leaves
    • 1/4 tsp jeera powder
    • 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
    • Salt to taste

METHOD

    For the chana dal

    1. Remove 3 tbsp of chana dal and keep aside.
    2. In a blender jar, coarsely pulse & grind the soaked chana dal with no water.
    3. It has to be a coarse mixture. Once done, set aside.

    How to proceed

    1. In a plate add in the coarse mixture.
    2. Add in all the other Ingredients, the balance chana dal and mix well to make a dough like mixture.
    3. Divide into 8 equal pieces and make vadas out of them.
    4. Heat oil for frying & fry these vadas until golden brown and crispy.
    5. You can even roast them on the pan with some oil.
    6. Serve hot with chutney

Chef's Note from Renu Dalal:

Grind the soaked dal coarsely instead of making a smooth paste for a crisp and crunchy texture.

Rate this Recipe