Perfect tea time snack – masala vada or channa dal vada
What we love about Masala vada, a traditional Indian snack —is the element of surprise from the crunchy exterior and the flavors that burst out when you take a bite. No matter how many different snack we eat, if you grew up drinking Indian coffee or chai, a tea time snack such like masala vada would have no match. You simply cannot stop eating just one. It is a simple recipe and you can also blend in some vegetables to make them even more refreshing.
Masala vada is usually made with Channa Dal and other spices. The dal needs to soak for at least 4 hours. So a little preparation ahead of time is needed. You could also try substituting the dal with gram flour. Apart from that I also add vegetables like grated cabbage or carrots. The crunchy snack is a good option when you are looking to entertain your guests with a multi-course meal. It’s a very simple recipe, yet tastes heavenly when done right.
Try it today!
Drain the water completely.  Blend the dal and all other spices (except curry leaves, cilantro and coconut) without water.  Add the chopped curry leaves, coconut and cilantro to the dough and mix well.   Make a 2″ ball and press gently with your palms to flatten it.   In a medium frying pan, deep fry the vadas until you see a golden brown texture.
Masala Vada – Channa Dal Vada Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Channa dal
- 2 strand curry leaves
- 2 strand cilantro
- 2 red chilies
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 green chili
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped roasted coconuts
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Soak the Channa dal for 4 or more hours.
- Drain the water completely.
- Blend the dal and all other spices (except curry leaves, cilantro and coconut) without water.
- Add the chopped curry leaves, coconut and cilantro to the dough and mix well.
- Make a 2" ball and press gently with your palms to flatten it.
- In a medium frying pan, deep fry the vadas until you see a golden brown texture.
- Masala Vada is ready!
These look delicious! I wonder if I could make them in my air fryer.
Thank you 🙂 I don’t know about that. But you can bake them. I hope this will help you 🙂
These sound delicious! I would totally love these for a light meal!
That’s good idea!! thank you!
These sound so spicy and delicious! I noticed in another comment they can be baked. I’d love to give that a try!
These sound so flavorful! I love crispy little patties like these, and I bet they’d be great with some added veggies. YUM!
Thank you 🙂 yes that is true with veggies it tastes very delicious!