If we soak one cup of chana dal for four hours, then after pressing it, place this flour in desi oil. Then, expel all the water from it, and set aside two tablespoons of the chana dal. Next, add all the chana dal to a blender along with rice flour, dry red chili, green chili, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, cumin, fennel, and whole coriander, and grind it coarsely without water. Then add onion, coriander leaves,...

Crispy Chana Dal Vada recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1-2 vadas)
  • soaked chana dal
    soaked chana dal
    1cup
  • rice flour
    rice flour
    2tbsp
  • ginger
    ginger
    1in
  • garlic
    garlic
    7clove
  • green chilli
    green chilli
    3
  • dry red chilli
    dry red chilli
    2
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprig
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • fennel seeds
    fennel seeds
    1tsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1tsp
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
    1
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
    1
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste
    1
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1/2tsp
  • hing
    hing
    1/4tsp

How to make Crispy Chana Dal Vada

  1. Step 1

    Soak one cup of chana dal for four hours. Drain the water and set aside two tablespoons of the chana dal.

  2. Step 2

    Add the remaining chana dal to a blender along with rice flour, dry red chili, green chili, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, cumin, fennel, and whole coriander. Grind it coarsely without adding water.

  3. Step 3

    Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add chopped onion, coriander leaves, salt, asafoetida, garam masala, and the set-aside chana dal. Mix everything well.

  4. Step 4

    Grease your hands and take small portions of the mixture. Shape them into vadas.

  5. Step 5

    Heat oil in a pan. Fry the vadas one by one in hot oil, lowering the gas flame and stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

95.0kcal (4.75%)

Protein

5.5g (11%)

Carbs

16.3g (5.91%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.5%)

Healthy Fat

0.8g

Unhealthy Fat

0.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the chana dal is soaked properly for at least four hours to achieve the right texture.

  2. Do not add water while grinding the mixture to maintain the consistency needed for shaping the vadas.

  3. Fry the vadas on a low flame to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

FAQS

  1. Can I use any other lentils instead of chana dal?

    Chana dal is recommended for this recipe as it provides the best texture and flavor. Substituting with other lentils may alter the taste and consistency.

  2. How long should I soak the chana dal?

    Soak the chana dal for at least four hours to ensure it softens adequately for grinding.

  3. Can I bake the vadas instead of frying them?

    Yes, you can bake the vadas, but they may not be as crispy as the fried version. Brush them with oil and bake at 375°F until golden brown.

  4. What can I serve with chana dal vadas?

    Chana dal vadas pair well with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. They are also great with a cup of tea.

  5. Can I store the vadas for later?

    Yes, you can store the fried vadas in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

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Tripti Bhalotia

(@triptibhalotia)

Welcome to my Chefadora Page — where flavors meet comfort! I’m Tripti, your culinary guide sharing simple, soulful recipes from savory bites to sweet indulgences.

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