Urad Dal Vada / Medu Vada

User profile image
Gayatri (@rene121)

Uzhunnu Vada or Medu Vada is a South Indian breakfast snack made from urad dal. It is usually made in a doughnut shape with a crispy outside and soft inside. It's typically enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack.

Urad Dal Vada / Medu Vada recipe
Prep Time
5min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

10 Servings
(1 serving = 1 vada)

Main Ingredients

  • Urad dal
    Urad dal
    1cup
  • Fine rice flour
    Fine rice flour
    1tbsp
  • Green chilli
    Green chilli
    3
  • Pepper corn
    Pepper corn
    1tsp
  • Chopped ginger
    Chopped ginger
    1tbsp
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    2sprigs
  • Asafoetida
    Asafoetida
    1/2tsp
  • small Onion
    small Onion
    1
  • Salt (to taste)
    Salt (to taste)
  • Oil (for deep frying)
    Oil (for deep frying)

How to make Urad Dal Vada / Medu Vada

Preparation Steps

  1. Step 1

    Soak urad dal for 3 hours. After soaking, keep it in the fridge for 2 hours.

  2. Step 2

    Drain the water and grind the urad dal to a smooth paste, adding a little cold water as needed.

  3. Step 3

    Transfer the ground dal to a bowl. Add rice flour, chopped onion, ginger, green chilli, peppercorns, asafoetida, salt, and chopped curry leaves.

    Step 1.1: Transfer the ground dal to a bowl
  4. Step 4

    Beat the mixture well using a whisk to achieve a soft and fluffy batter.

  5. Step 5

    Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, grease your hands with water and take a small ball of the batter.

  6. Step 6

    Make a hole in the center of the ball with your finger.

  7. Step 7

    Carefully drop the shaped vada into the hot oil.

  8. Step 8

    Cook on medium flame, flipping both sides until they turn light brown.

  9. Step 9

    The tasty Uzhunnu Vada is ready to serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

42.6kcal (2.13%)

Protein

2.9g (5.7%)

Carbs

7.2g (2.62%)

Sugars

0.2g (0.4%)

Healthy Fat

0.3g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.

  2. You can adjust the number of green chillies based on your spice preference.

  3. For extra flavor, you can add chopped coriander leaves to the batter.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Urad Dal Vada crispy on the outside and soft on the inside?

    To achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior for your Urad Dal Vada, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying. Additionally, beating the batter well will incorporate air, making the vadas fluffy. Fry them on medium flame, flipping them to ensure even cooking.

  2. Can I make Medu Vada gluten-free?

    Yes, Medu Vada is naturally gluten-free since it is made primarily from urad dal and rice flour. Just ensure that the rice flour you use is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

  3. What can I substitute for urad dal in the Medu Vada recipe?

    If you don't have urad dal, you can substitute it with split chickpeas (chana dal) or moong dal, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Soak the substitute dal for a few hours before grinding to achieve a similar consistency.

  4. How should I store leftover Urad Dal Vada?

    To store leftover Urad Dal Vada, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

  5. What are some good dipping sauces to pair with Medu Vada?

    Medu Vada pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or sambar. These sauces complement the flavors of the vada and enhance your breakfast or snack experience.

Loading reviews...

rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia