Medu Vadas

Medu Vadas are crispy doughnut shaped fritters made with urad dal (split skinned black lentil). They are usually served alongside idli (South Indian savory cakes) as part of a perfect South Indian breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1cup Urad dal (split skinned black lentil)
• 1” Ginger grated
• 3-4 Green chilies chopped fine
• ½ tsp Pepper corns crushed
• ¼ tsp Hing (Asafetida)
• 2-3 Curry leaves chopped fine
• 2 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped fine
• Oil for deep frying
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Soak the urad dal in enough water for about 3-4 hours. Drain it.
• Grind drained dal to a smooth batter (thick paste). Add only spoonful of water at a time if required. Grind until the batter turns fluffy.
• Keep this urad dal batter aside for 3-4 hours and let it ferment a bit.
• Now add all other ingredients except the oil. Mix well.
• Heat the oil in a kadai or wok on medium heat.
• Wet your fingers and palm and take a small portion of batter. Shape it into a ball and then poke your thumb in the center so that a hole is formed (doughnut like structure is formed). Gently invert the vada in the oil. Make other medu vada similarly and place them in oil. Do not overcrowd the kadhai/wok to avoid sticking of vadas with each other.
• When the medu vadas are cooked from underneath, turn them over with a slotted spoon. Vadas should be golden brown from both the sides. They should be fried on medium heat otherwise they will be golden from outside and doughy from inside.
• Drain on an absorbent paper.
• Serve hot with Sambhar and Coconut Chutney.

Do You Know?

In South India eating from a banana leaf is very common because it is considered hygienic and healthy. Any guest can be served on a banana leaf which is considered humble and respectful. It is considered auspicious to put a bit of sweet dish (dessert) on the banana leaf to eat before the actual meal is placed thereon.

According to tradition, one has to eat rice first, then dal, iron-rich vegetables and curd. This is the order in which food is served and consumed as well. It is even more traditional to sit on the floor on a mat and eat one’s food.

To show your appreciation after a satisfying meal, fold the banana leaf towards you (i.e. inwards) to signify that the meal was good. Folding the opposite direction (i.e. upwards /away from you) signifies that the meal was not satisfying.