Masala Vadai | Easy Tea Time Snacks

After Cabbage Dhokla and Microwave Poha Chiwda, its time for some
indulgence. Crazy weather here - its deciding in July whether to rain or not, and it finally rained a bit last two days ! Its ok to deep fry
once in a while, and these fritters like Bhajia or Pakoras are best eaten
without any side dish - just as it is.. Its Saturday and its raining - you dont need a better excuse to indulge in these yummy Masala Vadai hot off the frying pan.

I have teamed it up with Coconut
Chutney and all that you need after this is a hot cup of tea to savour the
indulgence further. By the time I could get my cup of tea, the vadas had disappeared, therefore they appear with just the coconut chutney :)) LoL !! 

Masala Vadai is probably a very popular deep fried delight sold on
the roadside too, and the heady aroma of spices would compel one to buy them
whenever you pass by the vendor. Similar to Aama Vadai or Paruppu Vadai yet different like Maddur Vade, this
has many versions floating around in each household.Today is my version. You
can also make the batter ahead and freeze it (without salt). Bring it to room
temperature, add salt,onions - mix and fry. So, thats a great Party Idea as well 🙂

Before we get to the vadas, recipe for Basic Coconut Chutney:

Grind ½ cup Grated coconut with 3 teaspoon fried dal (dalia), 2 small green chillies, little tamarind and 2 pods of garlic with 3-4 tablespoon of water to a smooth paste. Add a pinch of salt. Temper with mustard if required.

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Prep time : 15 mins + 2 hrs soaking time | Cook time : 15 mins |
Makes : Approx 12-15 vadas

Ingredients:

• Moong dal - ½ cup
• Urad Dal - a handful
• Channa Dal - ¾ cup
• Oil - for deep frying
• Onions - 2 medium - finely chopped
• Coriander & curry leaves - few
• Salt - to taste

Masala paste : 

• Coconut grated - ¼ cup
• Saunf / fennel seeds - 1 TBSP
• Black pepper - ½ tsp
• Green chillies - 3 nos (Adjust spice)
• Ginger - 1 inch piece
• Garlic - 3 pods

Method:

1. Wash and soak all dals separately for 2 hours. Drain and grind to
   a smooth paste (use the soaked water to occasionally wet the batter, but dont
   use more than 3 TBSP). This batter is similar to the Urad Dal vada batter.
2. Grind all ingredients under Masala paste to a smooth paste with
   very minimal water.
3. Add this masala paste to the ground lentil paste. Mix well.
4. Now if making immediately, add salt and onions and curry leaves and coriander. Else refrigerate
   and add these later on.
5. Mix the batter lightly after adding the onions, we want to retain
   the fluffiness of the batter.
6. Meanwhile heat oil for frying. When it reaches the right
   temperature, flatten out a small portion of these vadas and deep fry on medium
   heat till golden brown.
7. Use the rest of the batter to make Vadai. Drain on absorbent
   towels.
8. Serve immediately with Coconut Chutney and/ or hot coffee or Tea
   for a yummy late noon snack

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