Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe

25 minutes

896 reads

4.34 from 3 votes

About Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe

Craving a crispy, flavorful snack that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than these golden-brown Masala Vadas, also known as Ambode in Karnataka. These South Indian fritters are the perfect appetizer or anytime treat.
Made with protein-rich chana dal (split chickpeas), a medley of aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, each bite offers a satisfying crunch and an explosion of flavor. Imagine the warm, fragrant steam rising as you take your first bite!
Enjoy these delectable fritters hot off the pan with a dollop of cool coconut chutney or tangy tomato ketchup for an unforgettable culinary experience. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at just one!
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹399.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Calories193 kcal
Serves4
Served AsSnacks
Recipe TasteCrunchySalty

Ingredients
 

For the Vada Batter

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • Wash the chana dal thoroughly. Soak in enough water for 4-5 hours to soften.
  • Drain the soaked chana dal. Set aside.
  • In a mixer grinder, combine the drained chana dal, rice flour, grated coconut, dried red chiles, chopped cilantro, curry leaves, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt. Grind to a coarse paste, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water as needed. Avoid over-grinding, as this will result in a dense vada.
    Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat sufficient oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Transfer the chana dal batter to a bowl.
    Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Take small portions of the batter and shape them into flat, round patties. Place them on a plate.
  • Once the oil is hot (a small drop of batter should sizzle immediately), gently slide the vadas into the hot oil. Deep fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
    Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through. Remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Maintaining a medium flame throughout the frying process is crucial for even cooking and a crispy exterior. High heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw, and low heat will result in oily vadas.
    Crispy Masala Vada (Ambode): A South Indian Fritter Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Serve the crispy Masala Vadas hot or warm. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with tomato sauce or coconut chutney for an enhanced flavor experience.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • Use very little water to grind the mixture, as excess water will cause the vadas to absorb more oil.
  • Adding rice flour to the mixture helps achieve crispy vadas.
  • Chopped onions can be added to the mixture for extra flavor.
  • Fry the vadas immediately after preparing the mixture to minimize oil absorption.
  • Always deep fry over medium heat.

Expert Tips

  • For extra fluffy vadas, add a pinch of baking soda to the batter.
  • Soak the lentils for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, for a smoother batter and easier grinding.
  • To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small portion of the batter into the oil. It should rise to the surface immediately.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover vadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the vadas in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer until crisp.

Also See

Explore Recipes by Tags south indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.34 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 748IUVitamin C: 76mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 3mg

Charus Cuisine
Charus Cuisine

I have thru’ my eKitchen attempted to present variety of vegetarian recipes of Karnataka and I will keep building the same for your benefit. I will also be adding more North Indian recipes. Being a pure vegetarian, I have included only vegetarian recipes.

Articles: 100
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

3 Comments

4.34 from 3 votes

Leave a Reply