Masala Vadai Recipe | Dal Vada Recipe – This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the content creation process. I appreciate your support!
Dal Vada Recipe, also known as Masala Vadai, is a flavorful South Indian delicacy. These savory fritters are a perfect option for snacking or gatherings, featuring simple ingredients and rich flavors!
![dal vada recipe pin](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/41.jpg)
About Dal Vada Recipe
Dal Vada also known as Masala Vadai is a crispy and savory deep-fried fritter, a popular snack from South India. It is also known as Paruppu Vadai in Tamil Nadu.
Made from three types of lentils, such as chana dal (split Bengal gram), toor dal (split pigeon peas), and urad dal (split white lentil), along with a handful of spices and aromatics.
This recipe has various versions—some are made using just one lentil, such as chana dal, while others are prepared with a special spice mix. The recipe here is an easy home-style version for you.
If you love crispy, deep-fried snacks with an extra loud crunch, then trying this Dal Vada Recipe is a must!
Your taste buds will not stop thanking you! 😋
![](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-1-1.jpg)
Why You Will Love This
- A popular and traditional Indian snack
- Nostalgia of street food
- Satisfying crunch on the outside
- Simple recipe with simple ingredients
- Bursting with flavors
- Perfect for gatherings and parties
Watch the Dal Vada Recipe Video!
How to Make Dal Vada
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Clean the dill leaves and coriander leaves thoroughly. Finely chop the leaves and keep them aside.
![dal vada recipe step 1](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-1.jpg)
Step 2 – Wash the Lentils
In a mixing bowl, combine chana dal (split Bengal gram), toor dal (split pigeon peas), and urad dal (split white lentil). Wash the lentils thoroughly with water.
You would need to wash the lentils at least thrice before soaking.
![dal vada recipe step 2](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-2.jpg)
Step 3 – Soak the Lentils
Soak the clean lentils in at least 4 cups of water. You need to soak the lentils at least for 4 hours or overnight.
![dal vada recipe step 3](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-3.jpg)
Step 4 – Prepare Vadai Batter
Drain the water from soaked lentils and transfer it to a blender jar. Add green chilies and ginger to the jar.
Grind the lentils into a coarse paste. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl.
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![dal vada recipe step 3](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-4.jpg)
Step 5 – Combine the Ingredients
Next, add chopped coriander leaves, chopped dill leaves, and salt. Mix it well.
![step 4](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-5.jpg)
Step 6 – Make the Vadas
Before shaping the vadas, wet your palms with water so the batter does not stick to your hands.
Take a small portion of the prepared batter and shape it into a flat round patty.
![step 5](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-6.jpg)
Step 7 – Fry the Vadas
Heat oil in a deep pan on medium heat. Once the oil is moderately hot, switch the heat to a low flame.
Gently slide the shaped patty into the oil. You can add 3-4 patties at once for frying.
Fry the vadas on low heat until they turn golden brown. They should be crisp on both sides. Make sure the inside is cooked as well.
If the oil is too hot, the inside of the vadas may remain uncooked.
![step 6](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-7.jpg)
Step 8 – Serve the Vadas
Once the vadas are golden brown on both sides, remove the vadas from the oil using a slotted spoon. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to get rid of the excess oil.
Serve it hot with spicy tomato chutney or peanut chutney!
![masala vadai image](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Masala-Vadai-8.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
Serving Dal Vada with coconut chutney is a classic combination. It also pairs well with peanut chutney and kara chutney (spicy tomato chutney).
It also pairs well with tomato ketchup or hot chili sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Soaking the lentils is very important to grind them properly. So, don’t skip it.
- Don’t add water while grinding the batter.
- You can also experiment by adding chopped curry leaves, grated coconut, crushed black peppercorns, or cumin seeds to the vada batter.
- Make sure the batter is not too watery, it should be thick enough to shape into vadas easily.
- If the vadas are not holding shape, then add 1 or 2 tablespoons of rice flour to the batter. It will thicken the mixture slightly.
- Drop a small portion of the batter into the oil, to check if the oil is hot enough. If it immediately sizzles and comes up, then the oil is ready.
- Fry the vadas in small batches and flip them occasionally for even browning.
FAQ’s
1. Can I bake Dal Vada instead of frying?
Deep frying the vadas gives them a crispy brown exterior. If you bake the dal vadas, the texture might differ, but it is definitely a healthier alternative.
2. What to do if the vadas are not holding shape?
Add 1-2 tablespoons of rice flour to the vada batter to make the batter thick. Place the prepared vada batter into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before shaping the vadas.
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- Dal Vada | Vegan Lentil Fritters
- Vegan Chili Garlic Oil Ramen
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![dal vada recipe pin](https://kurrykitchen.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/41-500x500.jpg)
Dal Vada | Masala Vadai Recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 deep pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chana dal
- 1/2 cup urad dal
- 1/4 cup toor dal
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 2-4 nos green chilies finely chopped
- 1/2 inch ginger chopped or grated
- 1/2 cup coriander leaves roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dill leaves roughly chopped
- salt to taste
- oil for deep frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the dill leaves and coriander leaves.
- Roughly chop the dill leaves and coriander leaves. Keep them aside.
- Finely chop the onions and green chilies.
Make the Batter
- Wash the chana dal, urad dal, and toor dal thoroughly or till the water turns clear.1/2 cup chana dal, 1/2 cup urad dal, 1/4 cup toor dal
- Soak it in water for about 3-4 hours.
- Drain the soaked dals and transfer it to a blender or food processor.
- Add green chilies and ginger to the blender jar.2-4 nos green chilies, 1/2 inch ginger
- Grind the dal into a coarse paste without adding water. The mixture should be slightly grainy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dal with chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, chopped dill leaves, and salt. Mix well.1/2 cup onion, 1/2 cup coriander leaves, 1/2 cup dill leaves, salt
Make the Vadas
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.oil
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the vadas.
- Take a small portion of the mixture in your hands and shape it into a round flat patty.
- Gently slide the shaped vadas into the oil. Make sure the heat is on low flame.
- Fry the vadas on low heat until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides. Make sure the inside is cooked as well.
- Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the Dal Vadas hot with tomato chutney, or coconut chutney.
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