Soft and Creamy Dahi Vada (Yogurt Fried Lentil Dumplings)

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Urad Dal (Split Black Gram) (Rinse, soak for 2 hours, then rinse again before grinding)
• 0.25 cup Water (Add gradually while grinding to achieve a thick, ice‑cream‑like batter)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (For the batter)
• 2 cup Vegetable Oil (For deep frying; medium‑high heat (≈350°F))
• 2 cup Thick Yogurt (Curd) (Well‑beaten, slightly sour)
• 0.25 cup Fresh Cream (Adds richness to the yogurt topping)
• 2 tbsp Milk Powder (Everyday brand; prevents the yogurt from turning sour)
• 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar (Sweetens the yogurt mixture)
• 0.5 tsp Cardamom Powder (Freshly ground if possible)
• 0.25 cup Tamarind Chutney (Optional tangy topping)
• 0.25 cup Sweet (Date) Chutney (Optional sweet topping)
• 0.25 cup Green Chutney (Cilantro‑Mint) (Optional fresh topping)
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Powder (For garnish)
• 0.25 tsp Red Chili Powder (For garnish)
• 2 tbsp Papri (Crispy Wafers) or Sev (Adds crunch)
• 2 tbsp each Roasted Peanuts, Cashews, Raisins (Optional garnish; adds texture and sweetness)

Instructions

1. Soak the Urad Dal

   Place ½ cup urad dal in a large bowl, cover with enough water and let it soak for 2 hours. After soaking, rinse the dal thoroughly.

   Time: PT2H

2. Grind to a Thick Batter

   Drain the soaked dal and transfer to a blender. Add ¼ cup cold water and blend for 2‑3 minutes until the mixture is thick, smooth, and pale yellow, resembling soft ice‑cream.

   Time: PT5M

3. Season the Batter

   Stir in ½ tsp salt into the batter until evenly mixed.

   Time: PT2M

4. Heat the Oil

   Pour 2 cups vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

5. Fry the Vadas

   Using a small spoon, drop 1‑inch portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 8‑10 minutes, turning gently, until the vadas are light golden and puffed.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Soak Fried Vadas in Warm Water

   Remove the fried vadas with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Let them soak for 30 minutes; they will become soft and spongy.

   Time: PT30M

7. Prepare the Sweet Yogurt Topping

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups thick yogurt, ¼ cup fresh cream, 2 tbsp milk powder, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and ½ tsp cardamom powder until smooth and slightly fluffy.

   Time: PT5M

8. Assemble the Dahi Vada

   Drain the soaked vadas and arrange them in a serving bowl. Pour the prepared yogurt mixture over them, ensuring each vada is fully covered. Drizzle tamarind, sweet, and green chutneys as desired. Sprinkle cumin powder, red chili powder, a pinch of salt, papri/sev, and the roasted nuts and raisins.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

300

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g