Crispy Kalmi Vada: A Two-Stage Fried Lentil Snack
2 hours 45 minutes
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About Crispy Kalmi Vada: A Two-Stage Fried Lentil Snack
Craveable crunch alert! Discover the irresistible delight of Kalmi Vada, a beloved Indian snack that will tantalize your taste buds. These twice-fried lentil dumplings offer a symphony of textures, boasting a perfectly crisp exterior and a surprisingly soft, flavorful interior.This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through every step, ensuring perfectly golden-brown vadas every time. Make a big batch and freeze them for up to a month – your secret weapon for effortless entertaining.Serve with a vibrant coriander chutney for an explosion of fresh, zesty flavor. Get ready to experience snacking nirvana!
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Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours 15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
Lentils
- 1 cup Bengal Gram Dal (200 g), chana dal, split
- 2 Tbsp Gram black, husked, split, urad dal
- 2 Tbsp Gram green, husked, moong dal, split
- 2 Tbsp Gram arhar dal, husked, red, split
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 pinch Asafoetida
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp Chili Powder or to taste, red
- 1 tsp Coriander ground
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds coarsely, ground
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1-2 Chillies chopped, finely, green, or to taste
- 1 tsp Ginger chopped, finely, or to taste
- 2 Tbsp Coriander chopped, finely
For Frying
- Oil as needed, for frying
Instructions
- Clean all the lentils thoroughly.
- Soak the lentils in cold water for 2-3 hours. This softens them for grinding.
- Drain the lentils and reserve 1-2 tablespoons. Coarsely grind the remaining lentils in a food processor without adding water. Add a pinch of asafoetida during grinding.
- Add the reserved whole lentils to the ground mixture. This adds texture to the vadas.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lentil mixture with salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander, coarsely ground fennel seeds, chopped green chilies, ginger, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.
- To shape the vadas, take a small portion of the batter and form it into a round cake about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Carefully slide the vadas into the hot oil. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Initially, fry on high heat for 30-40 seconds to prevent breaking. Then, reduce the heat to medium and flip the vadas. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once cooled, wrap the round vadas in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- To serve, cut the cooled vadas into thick strips.
- For a second frying, either deep fry the strips until crispy or air fry at the highest temperature for 15-20 minutes. Deep frying gives a more authentic taste, while air frying is a healthier option.
- Serve hot with coriander chutney (optional).
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- In winter, soak the lentils for 3-4 hours. Avoid over-soaking, as this will make them too soft, and slightly crisp lentils are ideal for Kalmi Vadas.
- Ensure the oil is very hot before frying. Reduce the heat when adding the vadas, then fry them over medium heat.
- Allow the vadas to cool completely before cutting them into strips to prevent breakage.
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger to the lentil batter.
- To achieve a crispier texture, add a tablespoon of rice flour or semolina to the batter.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Kalmi Vadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven before serving.
Also See
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 13gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 62mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 7gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 243IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 4mg
Samira Gupta
Articles: 31
3 Comments
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Thanks for the inspiration! Looks tasty.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
So delicious! Excited to make it.