Heart-Healthy Paruppu Vada

Experience the guilt-free indulgence of Heart-Healthy Paruppu Vada, a wholesome twist on a classic South Indian snack! Made with protein-packed chana dal (split chickpeas) and seasoned with aromatic ingredients like fennel seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coriander, these crispy fritters are air-fried to golden perfection with just a spritz of olive oil, making them low-fat yet irresistibly crunchy. The recipe skips deep frying without sacrificing flavor, offering a nutritious alternative that's bursting with spice and texture. Ready in under 30 minutes of cooking time, these vadas are perfect for a quick snack or as a savory accompaniment to your favorite chutneys, such as coconut or mint yogurt dips. Treat yourself to this heart-healthy delight that redefines comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 small Onion
• 2 pieces Green chilies
• 1 inch Ginger
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves
• 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0 Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chana dal under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Soak the chana dal in water for about 2 hours. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3

Roughly chop the onion, green chilies, ginger, and coriander leaves.

Step 4

In a food processor, add the soaked chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and fennel seeds. Pulse a few times until coarsely ground. Avoid adding water, but if necessary, add a tablespoon of water at a time.

Step 5

Transfer the ground mixture to a mixing bowl and add chopped onion, curry leaves, coriander leaves, salt, black pepper powder, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 6

Preheat an air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Lightly grease your hands with water and take a small portion of the mixture, flatten it into a rounded disc, about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 8

Place enough vadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.

Step 9

Spray a light coat of olive oil on top of the vadas.

Step 10

Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Repeat the process for the remaining mixture.

Step 12

Serve hot with coconut chutney or mint yogurt dip for a heart-healthy snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	420.4 grams (420.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	998

Total Fat 15.60g	20%
Saturated Fat 1.60g	8%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2748mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 171.50g	62%
Dietary Fiber 46.90g	168%
Total Sugars 34.50g
Protein 50.50g	101%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222mg	17%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 2628mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.7%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 66.7%