Medu Vada is a popular breakfast snack in South India. These doughnut-shaped lentil fritters are characterized by
their fluffy, crispy, and delicious texture. They are ideal for those who do not prefer sweet breakfasts. Made with
black gram lentils, spices, and herbs, they resemble a savory doughnut.Traditionally, they are enjoyed with sambar or coconut chutney, making for a tasty and satisfying breakfast or snack.“”Vada”” refers to a common type of fried snack in India. They are made using lentils, legumes, vegetables, sago, and
other ingredients, and are enhanced with spices and herbs for added flavor, texture, and nutritional value. There
are various types of vadas across regions, such as Dahi Vada, Sabudana Vada, and Maddur Vada.The term “”vada”” also varies by region, being referred to as vade, wada, bara, vade, or vadai. Historically, these
snacks have been consumed in South India for a long time.While recipes and preparation methods vary, they generally involve soaking lentils, grinding them to make a batter,
and then frying. Some variations include ingredients like potatoes.Medu Vada is one type of vada, but not all vadas are Medu Vadas. For instance, there are dal vadas made with chana
dal.
**Rinse the lentils**: Wash the lentils 2-3 times with fresh water. Then, soak the lentils in water for 4 hours
or overnight.
**Grind the lentils**: Add the soaking water to the lentils and grind them using a mortar and pestle or a food
processor until smooth.
**Adjust the batter consistency**: If the batter is too loose, add semolina, urad dal flour, or rice flour (not
included in the given quantity) to help bind the batter.
**Mix in spices and herbs**: Add the spices, herbs, and salt to the batter and mix well.
**Prepare for shaping**: Fill a bowl with water (not included in the given quantity) to wet your hands. Wet both
palms with the water. Take some batter in your right hand and shape it into a round ball.
**Make a hole in the center**: Use your thumb to make a hole in the center of the batter ball. If the batter
sticks to your hands and is difficult to shape, you can use a Ziploc bag or a smooth-surfaced sheet like kitchen
paper.
**Heat the oil**: In a wok, deep fryer, or frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
**Start frying**: Once the oil reaches around 170°C (340°F), carefully and gently place the shaped batter into
the oil.
**Shape the vada**: Use chopsticks or a similar utensil to adjust the shape into a doughnut form if needed. Be
careful not to overcrowd the frying pan.
**Fry until golden**: Once the batter starts to turn slightly golden, flip it over and fry both sides until
golden brown.
**Drain excess oil**: Remove the fried vadas and place them on kitchen tissue to drain the excess oil.
