Vada curry is a popular South Indian dish that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. Well, this delicious curry is a flavorful and hearty dish made with crispy lentil dumplings (vada) cooked in spicy tomato-based gravy.
To make vada curry, some people use chana dal or urad dal (split black lentils). The dal is soaked and ground into a smooth batter or paste.
The batter is then seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, and green chilies and formed into small balls. These balls are deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown.
Meanwhile, a tomato-based gravy is prepared with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Once the gravy is cooked, the fried vadas are added to the gravy and simmered until they absorb the flavors of the sauce.
In certain parts of South India, vada curry gravy contains peanuts or coconuts. But that’s not a standard procedure. In my dish, I used none. But I prefer to finish the curry with a dash of coconut milk.
Vada curry is a hearty and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice, roti, or dosa. It is a popular street food in Tamil Nadu and is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Reasons to make Vada Curry
There are several health benefits to vada curry.
- Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Additionally, the use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices in the dish provides a range of nutrients and antioxidants.
Overall, vada curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and dietary preferences. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a popular choice for those looking to try something new and exciting in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- 2 tablespoon of coconut milk for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the chana dal in water for 2 hours, then drain and grind to a smooth batter using a little water. Add salt and mix well.
- Shape the batter into small rounds and deep fry until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin and coriander seeds and fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the onion and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ginger and green chili paste and fry for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the fried vadas to the curry and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and coconut milk. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Vada Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup chana dal, split chickpeas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- 2 tablespoon of coconut milk for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the chana dal in water for 2 hours, then drain and grind to a smooth batter using a little water. Add salt and mix well.1 cup chana dal, 1 teaspoon salt
- Shape the batter into small rounds and deep fry until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin and coriander seeds and fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- Add the onion and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.1 onion
- Add the ginger and green chili paste and fry for 1 minute.1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon green chili paste
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.2 tomatoes
- Add the turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 2 cups water
- Add the fried vadas to the curry and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and coconut milk. Enjoy!Fresh coriander leaves, 2 tablespoon of coconut milk for garnish
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