🍩✨ Urad Vada / Medu Vada

Golden, crisp lentil doughnuts β€” fluffy inside, crunchy outside

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️
Prep Time: 20 mins (plus 2–3 hrs soaking) | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4
Calories (approx): ~160 kcal per vada

πŸ”” Tiffin & Temple Bells

🌿 Introduction

Medu Vada β€” crisp, golden urad dal fritters shaped like soft doughnuts β€” are the pride of South Indian tiffin tables. Fluffy inside, crunchy outside, and irresistibly fragrant with spices, they pair magically with sambar and chutney.

β€œA crisp ring of comfort, warm from the heart of tiffin kitchens”

Urad Vada / Medu Vada

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Batter

  • 1 cup urad dal

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns (lightly crushed)

  • 1 inch ginger, finely chopped

  • 2–3 green chilies, chopped

  • 1 sprig curry leaves, chopped

  • Salt to taste

For Frying

  • Oil for deep frying

🍽️ Instructions

  • Soak the Dal – Wash and soak urad dal for 2–3 hours.

  • Grind Batter – Grind with minimal water into a thick, fluffy batter.

  • Season – Add cumin, pepper, ginger, chilies, curry leaves, and salt. Mix well.

  • Shape the Vadas – Wet hands, take a ball of batter, flatten, and make a hole in the center.

  • Deep Fry – Fry on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.

  • Drain & Serve – Remove onto paper towels and serve hot with chutney and sambar.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Serve with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and hot sambar for the classic tiffin trio.

Add a drizzle of ghee for temple-style aroma.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

Few sounds match the joy of vada hitting hot oil β€” a familiar sizzle that promises crisp edges, soft centers,

and the warmth of home kitchens echoing through generations.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Grind with very little water for fluffier vadas.

  • Batter should float when dropped in water β€” this means perfect aeration.

  • Add rice flour (1–2 tsp) if batter feels too loose.

  • Fry on medium heat to cook evenly without burning.

  • Wet hands before shaping to keep batter from sticking.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories 180

  • Protein 3g

  • Carbs 22g

  • Fat 9g

  • Fiber 4g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

Golden, crisp, and deeply comforting β€” Medu Vada is a tiffin favorite that brings

joy and crunch to every South Indian breakfast plate.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

πŸ’¬ I’d Love to Hear From You!

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Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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