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.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1cupUrad dal
- 1tbspFine rice flour
- 3Green chilli
- 1tspPepper corn
- 1tbspChopped ginger
- 2sprigsCurry leaves
- 1/2tspAsafoetida
- 1small Onion
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil (for deep frying)
How to make Urad Dal Vada / Medu Vada
Preparation Steps
Soak urad dal for 3 hours. After soaking, keep it in the fridge for 2 hours.
Drain the water and grind the urad dal to a smooth paste, adding a little cold water as needed.
Transfer the ground dal to a bowl. Add rice flour, chopped onion, ginger, green chilli, peppercorns, asafoetida, salt, and chopped curry leaves.
Beat the mixture well using a whisk to achieve a soft and fluffy batter.
Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, grease your hands with water and take a small ball of the batter.
Make a hole in the center of the ball with your finger.
Carefully drop the shaped vada into the hot oil.
Cook on medium flame, flipping both sides until they turn light brown.
The tasty Uzhunnu Vada is ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
You can adjust the number of green chillies based on your spice preference.
For extra flavor, you can add chopped coriander leaves to the batter.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Gayatri
(@rene121)
Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...
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