Masal Vada

Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold South Indian flavors, Masal Vada is the ultimate comfort snack perfect for any occasion. Made with protein-packed chana dal, aromatic fennel seeds, zesty ginger, and garlic, this recipe delivers a crunchy yet tender fritter that’s irresistibly delicious. Fresh curry leaves and coriander infuse every bite with a vibrant herbaceous aroma, while finely chopped onions add a subtle sweetness for depth of flavor. Quick and easy to prepare with just 30 minutes of prep time, these hearty lentil patties are fried to perfection and best enjoyed hot with a side of coconut chutney or tangy tomato ketchup. Whether you're planning a teatime treat or a savory appetizer, Masal Vada is a sure crowd-pleaser that showcases traditional Indian spice blends at their finest. Perfect for vegetarians and ideal for meal prep, this recipe offers a delicious, crispy snack that's hard to resist!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams Chana dal
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 2 small, finely chopped Green chilies
• 1 inch piece, finely chopped Ginger
• 3 cloves, finely chopped Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
• 10 leaves, chopped Curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Coriander leaves
• 1 teaspoon or to taste Salt
• 2 tablespoons Rice flour
• 500 milliliters, for frying Oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chana dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 2 hours.

Step 2

After 2 hours, drain the water completely from the chana dal. Reserve a tablespoon of whole soaked dal and set aside.

Step 3

In a food processor, add the drained chana dal, fennel seeds, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Pulse to a coarse mixture without adding any water. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

To the bowl, add the reserved whole chana dal, finely chopped onions, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 5

Add the rice flour to the mixture to help bind the ingredients and mix again thoroughly.

Step 6

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

Step 7

While the oil is heating, take a small portion of the mixture (about the size of a small lime) and flatten it slightly between your palms to form a round patty.

Step 8

Once the oil is hot enough (you can test by dropping a small piece of mixture into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface), carefully slide the prepared vada into the oil.

Step 9

Fry the vadas in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 10

Use a slotted spoon to remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Step 11

Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup as a snack or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	445.2 grams (445.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	625

Total Fat 20.10g	26%
Saturated Fat 1.70g	9%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2424mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 93.70g	34%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 16.50g
Protein 23.50g	47%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 195mg	15%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 1977mg	42%

*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: 27.8%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 57.7%