Mamta's Kitchen

Dahi Vada 1, Urad and Mung Dal Patties in Yoghurt Sauce, With Filling

Dahi Bhalle or Vade

Mamta Gupta

IndianMainSnackStarterVegetarian

Dahi Vadae/Bhallae (Singular Vada or Bhalla) are another one of a group of snacks called 'Chat'. They are served dipped in spiced yoghurt, with Green Mango Chutney and Imli Chutney on the side. You can make them plain, without a stuffing too. You can also add the stuffing ingredients to the ground dal mix, if you do not need to fiddle around with the stuffing.

A ready made dal Vada mix of any good brand, available at most Indian grocers can replace ingredients marked *, and ensure success as well as saving time. If using ready mix, follow instructions on the packet. Makes about 20- exact number will vary depending upon the size you make.

Ingredients

  • For vadas:

  • 250 gm. urad/urd/urid or black gram dal, skinless*

  • 50 gm. moong or green gram dal, skinless*

  • A good pinch of baking powder* (to make them light)

  • 1 tsp. salt*

  • Oil for deep frying

  • A handkerchief size muslin cloth or a thin plastic sheet.

  • For filling or for adding to the ground dals

  • 1 tbsp. chironji nuts (Chiroli nuts or Buchanania latifolia), chopped up

  • 1 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped up finely

  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground fennel powder

  • 1/2 tsp. Garam Masala

  • 1/2 tsp. chilli powder

  • A small pinch of heeng/hing powder (asafoetida)

  • 1 tbsp. desiccated coconut

  • For yoghurt dip:

  • 1 litre yoghurt

  • Salt to taste (kala namak or black rock salt is good)

  • 1/2 tsp. of roast cumin powder

  • 1/2 tsp. chilli powder

  • To serve:

  • Coriander, Mint, Mango or Apple Green Chutney (Chatni)

  • Tamarind Chutney

  • 1/2 tsp. of roast cumin powder

  • 1/2 tsp. chilli powder

Instructions

  1. Soak both dals overnight or for 5-6 hours, mixed with enough water to cover.

  2. Grind dals together in a coffee grinder to a coarse, semolina like consistency. The consistency needs to be like a very soft dough, not batter, so do not add too much water at the beginning. You can always add more, if too stiff.

  3. Add baking powder and mix thoroughly.

  4. Start heating the oil in a wok or karahi.

  5. On a smooth work surface, spread wetted muslin (old handkerchief) or a sheet of plastic sandwich bag, split open on two sides.

  6. Place small portions, approximately 1 heaped tbs., of the vada mix on the cloth/plastic. With wetted fingers, spread each blob gently into a flat circle, like a thick (1/2cm approx.) biscuit or a small burger.

  7. Place 1-1 1/2 tsp. filling in the centre and roll up edges.

  8. Flatten to a burger shape again. You can leave it like this or make a hole in the centre, as in picture. Hole stops them from ballooning.

  9. Once you have made 5-6 vadas this way, gently lift one edge of the muslin or plastic from the work surface, using your left hand. Peel/ease off one vada at a time with your right hand. Gently slide it into hot oil from the side of the wok.

  10. Fry in a group of 4-6, on medium heat, until light golden brown. Do not have the oil too hot, otherwise vadas will remain uncooked in the centre.

  11. Keep aside.

  12. You can add all the stuffing ingredients to the ground dals at step 2 and then follow steps 5, 7, 8 & 9.

  13. Making yoghurt dip:

  14. Mix yoghurt and spices in a bowl and beat lightly to a smooth, batter like consistency. Keep aside.

  15. Serving

  16. Soak 1-2 vadas per person in warm, salted water for 5-10 minutes.

  17. On a wide shallow dish, spread a few spoonfuls of prepared yoghurt.

  18. Lift each vada out of the water, press lightly between two palms to squeeze out the water, dip in yoghurt sauce, and arrange on the platter, NOT overlapping. Overlapping them will make them break during serving.

  19. Spread some more yoghurt on top of the vadas, to cover them properly.

  20. Just before serving, spread some more yoghurt on top of Vadas, decorate with a sprinkle of roast cumin powder and chilli powder.

  21. Serve chilled, with Tamarind Chutney and Green Mango Chutney.

Notes

  • Vadas can also be served hot as a snack, at step 9, without dipping in the yoghurt sauce, with Coconut Chutney 1, Coconut Chutney 2 or Green Mango Chutney.

  • You can make vadas in a microwave, without the need to fry them. Add 1 teaspoon oil to the vada batter. This is essential to allow heat to tavele through the vada.

  • Now, make them as in step 7 above and place 6-8 at a time on a microwave plate. Microwave on full for 3-4 minutes. They cook very nicely in any microwave steamer, like an Idli steamer. The best tasting ones however are the deep fried ones.

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