Medu Vada / South Indian Breakfast Recipe

Medu Vada is a doughnut shaped deep fried Urad dal (split black lentil) fritter which is very famous South Indian snack. A protein rich and filling snacks usually served with sambar and coconut chutney. Can be had as a breakfast , as an evening snacks or a side dish, but for me it is one of the favourite Sunday brunch menu , specially during winters.

Medu vada is one of quickest among the South Indian snacks as it does not require any fermentation. I usually soak the Urad dal for at least 4-6 hours, but the vadas can be made even if we soak the dal for 2 hours or so if you do not have enough time . To get a perfect doughnut shaped vada, needs some practice and patience. But beginners in cooking may not get dis hearten , you may still enjoy the vada's without shaping them, simply spoon out the batter and fry them .

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Urad dal (split black lentil)
• 1-2 green chilies
• 1/2 inch ginger piece
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds(roasted)
• 1 Onion finely chopped (optional) 
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Clean , wash and soak the Urad dal in enough water for 4-6 hrs. Drain and grind with green chilies, roasted Cumin seeds and ginger using very little water.

   2. Add salt and chopped Onion if using , and mix very well. Beat the batter for 1-2 minutes so that it becomes light and fluffy.The consistency of batter will decide how your vada's come out. The batter should be soft but not runny. A hard batter will be firm to give any shape but the vada will turn out hard after frying and a very soft batter will not hold shape and also absorb more oil while frying. So use very little water while grinding and if adding onions, do not keep the batter for a long time, make vada immediately. In case your batter has become too soft and runny , you can add some sooji to the batter. 

   3.  Heat up oil in a frying pan /kadhai. For making vada's , dip your right hand in a bowl of water . This will avoid batter from sticking to your hands, and also will help in sliding the shaped vada down into oil .Now take some batter on to your 4 fingers and give it a round shape. With your thumb make a hole in the center. Slid the vada into the hot oil by slightly pushing with your thumb . Make vadas similarly and slid into the oil.

 4. The temperature of oil should not be too hot, as we want the vadas to cook nicely from inside. Fry 3-4 vadas per batch until crisp and light golden brown from both the sides. 

 5. Remove the vadas with a slotted ladle and drain on kitchen tissues to remove excess oil. Make all the vadas in a similar manner. 

  6.  Serve hot with Sambar and Coconut chutney and enjoy with your loved ones !!

                           

  If you are looking for some more breakfast recipes, do check my posts on

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• Broccoli Cutlets
• Masala Oats
• Methi Paratha
• Nutritious Soybean chunk and Veggie burger
• Stuffed Mooli paratha
• Stuffed Paneer Paratha
• Missal Paav
• Baked Beetroot Cutlets
• Elbow Macaroni with Garlic Crumbs