Medhu Vadai Batter Recipe
The Secret to Crispy Medhu Vadas, Every Time
Medhu vada, also known as ulundu vadai, is a popular South Indian snack enjoyed for its crispy exterior and soft interior. The key to perfecting this snack lies in the preparation of the batter. Here you will find the traditional recipe to create the ideal batter for medhu vada, Iyer Tam-Brahm style!
Medhu Vada Batter Recipe
INGREDIENTS
2 cups - Whole Urad Dal (Black Gram)
1-2 tsp -Rice Flour
1-2 tsp - Ginger (Finely Chopped)
2-3 Pieces - Green Chilies (Finely Chopped)
2-3 Sprogs - Curry Leaves (Finely Chopped)
1/4 tsp - Asafoetida (Heing)
Salt to taste
Water for soaking and grinding
Oil for deep-frying
PREPARATION
Soaking the Urad Dal
Start by washing the urad dal thoroughly and then soaking it in water for 4-5 hours. The water level should be about an inch above the dal.
Drain and Grind
After soaking, drain the dal and transfer it to a grinder. Add a little water and grind it to a smooth, fluffy batter. Avoid adding too much water at once, as this can make the batter runny.
Consistency Check
To check the batter's consistency, drop a small amount into a bowl of water. If it floats, the batter is ready. If it disintegrates or sinks, continue grinding to achieve a lighter texture.
Adding Flavors
Once the batter reaches the desired consistency, add the rice flour, chopped ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, asafoetida, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly into the batter.
Preparing for Frying
Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. While the oil is heating, wet your hands and take a small amount of batter. Shape it into a smooth patty with a hole in the middle (classic medhu vada shape). You can also use a banana leaf or plastic sheet to shape the vadas.
Frying the Vadas
Gently slide the shaped batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature – too hot, and the vadas will brown quickly without cooking through, too cool, and they'll absorb excessive oil.
Drain and Serve
Once the vadas are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a kitchen towel to remove any excess oil. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
By following this medhu vada batter recipe, you can create irresistibly crispy and flavorful medhu vadas at home. Enjoy these delightful treats as a snack or as part of a delicious South Indian meal!
