Vadas are usually made for a religious function or special occassion, which I think is a good thing because it is deep-fried and we don’t want to be eating it too often.
Best Vada Recipe
Ingredients Required
This Yellow Split Pea Vada is a South Indian snack and I have watched my mum make it often. She kept it very simple with just a few ingredients. You need yellow split peas, lots of chilli (dry and green), cumin, onion, fresh coriander, spring onion, salt and oil for deep-frying. I always want to improve my recipes and whilst experimenting I discovered the addition of rice flour (most of the authentic recipes in India add some to their mix). The rice flour and a hint of bicarbonate of soda gives these Vadas the perfect crispness. If you don’t have rice flour you can substitute with some cornflour.
Process for making Vada
Firstly the split-peas must be soaked overnight. This softens it a little and makes it easier to grind into a fine paste. The next day it is rinsed a few times, you pop it into a food processor and pulse until it forms a smooth paste. The paste must be smooth and no water is added to it. The paste is then placed in a bowl and mixed with all the other ingredients. You shape them into round circles, with a little indent in the centre and deep fry them.
Is it difficult to make
I am going to admit that at first it does seem difficult to make these Yellow Split Pea Vada but with practice everything gets better. If you do not get it right the first time please try again. I promise it took me a few times before I got it right. For me it is best when freshly out the pan. Once it stands for a while it does lose the crispness. I honestly don’t enjoy it when it’s cold.
If you want a different variation maybe try this Vada recipe. More Indian treats to try: Sweetcorn and Cheese Samoosas Spicy Chilli Bites First Published – September 8, 2020. Updated November 20, 2024 If you loved this, please share!
