Nut-Free Masala Vada

Crunchy, flavorful, and completely nut-free, this Masala Vada recipe is the perfect snack or appetizer for anyone seeking a crispy and aromatic South Indian treat! Made from protein-packed chana dal and a vibrant blend of spices like cumin, fennel, and asafoetida, these golden fritters boast a delightful texture with the addition of finely chopped onions, curry leaves, and fresh coriander. Unlike traditional versions, this recipe skips nuts entirely, making it allergy-friendly without compromising on flavor. Easy to prepare, these vadas are deep-fried to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Serve them piping hot with coconut chutney or tangy ketchup for an irresistible snack that’s perfect for gatherings or tea-time cravings. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or nut-sensitive, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup chana dal
• 1 medium onion
• 2 pieces green chilies
• 1 inch piece ginger
• 0.25 cup fresh coriander leaves
• 10 leaves curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups oil
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chana dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in enough water for about 2 hours.

Step 2

Drain the soaked chana dal and transfer it to a food processor. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the soaked dal for later.

Step 3

Add the green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and asafoetida to the food processor along with the drained chana dal.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. It should be thick and grainy, not too smooth. Avoid adding water while grinding.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the reserved whole chana dal, finely chopped onion, chopped coriander leaves, chopped curry leaves, and salt.

Step 6

Mix everything well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This is your masala vada dough.

Step 7

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

Step 8

Take a small portion of the dough, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten it slightly between your palms to form a pattie.

Step 9

Once the oil is hot, gently slide the prepared vada into the oil. Repeat with additional vadas, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 10

Fry the vadas, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the vadas using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 12

Serve hot with coconut chutney or ketchup as a snack or appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	978.1 grams (978.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4405

Total Fat 454.80g	583%
Saturated Fat 29.90g	150%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2457mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 79.80g	29%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 17.50g
Protein 23.10g	46%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 238mg	18%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 2283mg	49%

*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: 90.9%

Protein: 2.1%

Carbs: 7.1%