Ingredients:
- 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 2-3 finely chopped green chilies
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh coconut, grated (optional)
- A handful of curry leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for deep frying
Method:
- Wash the urad dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 4 hours.
- After drain the water from the urad dal.
- Grind the urad dal into a smooth and thick batter, using minimal water. It should be thick paste.
- Put the ground urad dal batter to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped green chilies, ginger, grated coconut (if using), chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Heat oil in frying pan over medium flame.
- Wet your fingers with water, take a small portion of the batter, and flatten it slightly on your palm.
- Make a hole in the center to create the classic medu vada shape.
- Gently drop the shaped vada into the hot oil. You can fry 2-3 vadas at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
- Fry them on medium heat, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried vadas using a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve the crispy medu vadas hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Medu Vada! These South Indian snacks are a perfect accompaniment for your morning coffee or tea and are equally delightful as a snack. The crispy exterior and soft interior make them a favorite among vada lovers.