Nut-Free Medu Vada

Indulge in the crisp, golden perfection of Nut-Free Medu Vada, a wholesome twist on the traditional South Indian favorite. This recipe swaps out allergens for 100% nut-free ingredients while preserving the authentic flavor and texture that make medu vada so beloved. Made with protein-rich split urad dal and a touch of rice flour for extra crispiness, these savory lentil fritters are spiced with green chilies, curry leaves, and a hint of black pepper for a burst of aromatic flavor. Each medu vada is hand-shaped, fried to golden brown perfection, and best enjoyed with tangy coconut chutney or comforting sambar. Whether you're accommodating dietary restrictions or trying something new, this nut-free recipe proves you don’t need nuts to enjoy a classic South Indian treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these gluten-free fritters are a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams Split Urad Dal (Black Gram Split Lentils)
• 2 tablespoons Rice Flour
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 small Green Chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 10 leaves Curry Leaves, finely chopped
• 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, coarsely crushed
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 150 milliliters Water
• 500 milliliters Cooking Oil for Deep Frying

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the urad dal thoroughly under cold water and soak it in water for at least 1 hour.

Step 2

Drain the soaked urad dal and grind it into a smooth batter using a grinder, adding a little water at a time. The batter should be thick and fluffy.

Step 3

Add rice flour to the batter and mix well. The rice flour helps to maintain crispiness.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the batter, chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, curry leaves, asafoetida, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

Step 6

To shape the Medu Vadas, wet your hand with water, take a small portion of the batter, and make a ball. Flatten the ball slightly and make a hole in the center with your thumb.

Step 7

Carefully slide the shaped vada into the hot oil. You can use a slotted spoon if required.

Step 8

Fry the vadas in batches, flipping them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Step 9

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the Nut-Free Medu Vadas hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1008.9 grams (1008.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5114

Total Fat 505.30g	648%
Saturated Fat 72.80g	364%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2450mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 147.90g	54%
Dietary Fiber 40.30g	144%
Total Sugars 5.60g
Protein 54.00g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 337mg	26%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 2233mg	48%

*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: 84.9%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 11.0%