Mixed Dal Vada

Mixed Dal Vada, also known as a combination of Urad Dal (Minapappu), Moong Dal (Pesara Pappu), and Chana Dal (Senaga Pappu), is a traditional South Indian snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This delightful snack is not only popular as a tea-time treat but also serves as a hearty breakfast option. The blend of different lentils gives it a unique texture and flavor that is both nutritious and satisfying. In this recipe, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious Mixed Dal Vadas at home.

Soaking time: 4 hours (4 hours for Black Gram, 1 hour for Bengal Gram, 30 minutes for Green Gram)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast / Snack
Serves: Makes 20-25 vadas
Measurement bowl size: 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Soak the Lentils
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Add Remaining Lentils to Batter
• Step 4: Mix in Onions and Green Chillies
• Step 5: Shape the Vadas
• Step 6: Fry the Vadas
• Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
• Step 8: Serve
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• Bengal Gram (Chana Dal, Senaga Pappu): 1 bowl
• Black Gram (Urad Dal, Minapappu or Minapagundlu): 1 bowl
• Green Gram (Moong Dal, Pesara Pappu): 1 bowl

• Chopped onions: 1 bowl
• Chopped green chillies: 2-3

• Chopped coriander leaves (Kothimeera): 1 bowl

• Ginger (Allam): 1 cm piece
• Green chillies (Pachimirapa): 3-4

• Salt: 1 tablespoon or as required

• Oil: For deep frying

Procedure

Step 1: Soak the Lentils

Rinse the Bengal Gram (Chana Dal), Black Gram (Urad Dal), and Green Gram (Moong Dal) thoroughly under running water. Soak them in separate bowls filled with enough water. Soak the Black Gram for 4 hours, the Bengal Gram for 1 hour, and the Green Gram for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water from the soaked lentils.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Set aside 2 tablespoons of each of the soaked lentils (this will add texture to the vadas). In a blender or mixer grinder, add the remaining soaked lentils, 1 cm piece of ginger, and 4 green chillies. Add 1 tablespoon of salt or as per taste. Grind the mixture to a coarse paste without adding any water. The batter should be thick and hold together when shaped.

Step 3: Add Remaining Lentils to Batter

Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl. Add the reserved soaked lentils (2 tablespoons each of Bengal Gram, Black Gram, and Green Gram) into the batter. This will give a crunchy texture to the vadas.

Step 4: Mix in Onions and Green Chillies

Add the chopped onions, chopped green chillies (2-3), and chopped coriander leaves to the batter. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Shape the Vadas

Take a small portion of the batter (about the size of a lemon). Wet your hands or use a water-coated plastic sheet or banana leaf. Flatten the batter portion into a round shape and make a small hole in the middle (like a doughnut). This is optional but helps the vadas cook evenly.

Step 6: Fry the Vadas

Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium-high flame. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the shaped vadas into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them on medium flame until they turn golden brown on both sides. Flip them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Once the vadas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or oil strainer. Place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper towels or oil-absorbing sheets to remove excess oil.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the hot and crispy Mixed Dal Vadas immediately with your choice of chutneys or sauces. They taste best when served fresh.

Mixed Dal Vada tastes excellent when paired with a variety of accompaniments such as Mango Pickle, Coconut Chutney, Groundnut Chutney, Ridge Gourd Chutney, and Ginger and Green Chilli Pickle.

Conclusion

Mixed Dal Vada is a delicious and nutritious snack that brings together the goodness of various lentils. It's a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're enjoying it as a breakfast item or as an evening snack with tea or coffee. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it irresistible, and the combination of spices adds to its delightful flavor. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this traditional South Indian delicacy with your family and friends.