MEDU VADA - THE INDIAN SAVORY DOUGHNUT

Mornings get so much better when Mom pampers with piping hot Medu Vadas aka The Indian Savory Doughnuts with coconut, coriander and tomato onion chutney.

Medu vadas are one of the most famous breakfast item across South India. They are made by split black lentils (urad dal) batter and deep-fried in a doughnut shape savory fritters. They are crunchy and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Medu vadas are an extremely delicious recipe for a breakfast, lunch or any kind of occasion. They can be enjoyed with variation of dips, lentils based vegetable stew (sambar) or even a cup of hot tea!

I grew up eating Medu vadas and nothing can supersede it. It's a staple food in our family. As a kid, my parents took me to 'Indian Coffee House', quite frequently and now we have a weekend ritual of dining out to the nearest 'Sagar Restaurant'. I have fond memories of gorging on idlis, utthapam, dosas but medu vadas remains my favorite. Yesterday, my Mom surprised us with these delicious medu vadas. It was raining most of the weekend here, so we enjoyed it even more.

Medu vadas are made by split black lentils (urad dal) batter. Wash the urad dal, soak them into the water for about 2-3 hours and grind into a coarse paste. Add the spices and veggies just 10 minutes before frying the batter and enjoy your crunchy and delicious medu vadas with coconut, coriander, tomato onion chutney and hot tea!

Do try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turns out for you!

Click the link on other South Indian dishes like:

Rava Dosa

Sambhar

Coconut Chutney

Mint chutney 

Peanut chutney 

Onion-tomato chutney

MEDU VADA - THE INDIAN SAVORY DOUGHNUT

Serves: 5-6 people
Soaking time: 2-3 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Author: The Food Root

INGREDIENTS

1 cup - split black lentils
2 cups - water
1 medium size onion, chopped
1 medium size capsicum, chopped (optional)
few curry leaves, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon - rice flour (optional)
1 inch - ginger, grated
2 green chillis, chopped
1/2 teaspoon - cumin seeds, roasted
1/2 teaspoon - turmeric powder
1/3 teaspoon - garam masala
1/3 teaspoon - red chilli powder
1 teaspoon of salt or as per taste
coriander leaves, chopped
Oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse and wash a cup of split black lentils under the running water. Soak 1 cup of split black lentils in 2 cups of water for 2-3 hours.

2. Drain the excess water, if any, and add the soaked lentils in the grinding jar. Add enough water into the jar and grind it into a smooth paste.

3. Transfer the paste into a big bowl and add all the spices and chopped veggies (onion, capsicum, curry leaves, rice flour, ginger, green chillis, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, salt and coriander leaves) in the batter and mix it well.

4. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile pour sufficient oil in a deep pan, to a depth of atleast 2 inches and start heating your oil.

6. Take water in a small bowl, wet your hands, place some batter between the palms of your hands and lightly flatten it. Make a whole in the center of the batter to give it a doughnut like shape and gently transfer it in a pan and start frying until it turns golden brown.

7. Place them on a paper napkin to absorb excess oil.

8. Serve these delicious medu vadas with coconut, coriander, and tomato onion chutney and a cup of hot tea!

NOTES

1. Pour sufficient oil in a deep pan, to a depth of atleast 2 inches and start heating your oil on medium flame for first 5-6 minutes and than gently increase the flame, to the normal deep frying temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 C).

2. You can fry atleast 4 medu vadas at a time, but it depends on the size of the pan.

3. You can add a tablespoon of rice flour and chopped veggies in the batter to make your vadas more crunchy and crispy.

4. Add the ingredients just 10 minutes before frying the batter and enjoy your crunchy medu vadas with your favorite chutneys!