Medu Vada

I have started my daily Gym routine from today. Its been almost a month since I have worked out. Its time to get back in shape & also get fit. I used to feel so energized & active when I used to exercise daily. I don't do too much, but just the treadmill & cycling. My legs are hurting very badly  today, coz every time I start after a break its like this for a week. I need to somehow keep myself motivated & workout regularly.  

Today is Pongal & I thought I will make some Tamil special for Dinner. I have made Ven Pongal, Sweet Kesari, Vada, Sambar & chutney for dinner Well, why  not sweet Pongal? coz one of my good friends is dropping by this evening to give me sweet Pongal:). I am so blessed to have wonderful friends in my life.  Today I am sharing Medu Vada recipe. This is called Uddina Vada in Karnataka & many other names in different parts of south India. Its a very simply recipe but you need to get the technique right. These are also called as Indian savory Doughnuts. You need to make sure that you grind the Urad dal thick & add very less water. This is how its made

 
Makes: 8 to 10 Vadas
Making time: 30 mins
soaking time: 4 - 6 hours
 
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Urad Dal(Soak in water for 4 to 5 hours) and grind to a semi smooth paste (don't add water. add very little if required)
• 1 tspn finely chopped Ginger
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 4 to 6 chopped curry leaves chopped
• 2 tbspn finely chopped coconut pieces (I used frozen)
• 1 tbspn whole Black pepper
• Salt as per taste
• Oil for deep frying

 Method:

 

1. Grind the soaked Urad Dal in a Mixer into a smooth paste. Make sure you do it in small quantity. Add very little water if required. If you feel the batter is watery, just put it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This will help the batter to thicken.
2. Now mix rest of the ingredients mentioned above into the batter.
3. Heat Oil in a pan, take small size batter with greased hands (or wet hands) make a shape of doughnut & immediately drop it in hot oil. Fry for 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown on medium heat. You can also make round Vadas. Just use a tablespoon, pick the batter and drop it in the oil. Now the Vadas are ready.

 

Note:

1. If you are making these for the first time, you will find it hard to get the shape right. Practice will make it perfect. The shape depends on the batter consistency too.
2. Be careful when you drop in the Vadas in the oil, sometimes the oil will splutter & you will end up burning your hands. I have had many accidents in the past :)
3. This goes very well with Sambar & Chutney. I will post my Sambar recipe some other time.