Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt

20 minutes

1151 reads

4.67 from 9 votes

About Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt

Dive into a bowl of pure bliss with Dahi Bhalla (also known as Dahi Vada), a beloved Indian street food that’s both refreshing and utterly satisfying. Imagine light-as-air lentil fritters, fried to a golden crisp and then soaked to a delightful pillowy softness.
Submerged in a creamy, spiced yogurt and generously drizzled with vibrant mint and sweet tamarind chutneys, each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. Finished with fresh coriander, a touch of fiery red chili powder, and a pinch of tangy chaat masala, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece.
Easy to recreate at home, Dahi Bhalla is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful snack any time of day.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total20 minutes
Calories196 kcal
Serves3
Recipe TasteSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For the Vada Batter

For the Yogurt Mixture

For Serving and Garnish

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Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk the vada batter for 2-3 minutes to make it light and airy.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped green chili, ginger, and salt to the batter. Mix well to combine.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles gently.
  • Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil, maintaining space between them.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Fry the vadas for a few minutes on each side, flipping them once they turn golden brown. This ensures even cooking.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Soak the fried vadas in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for creating their signature soft and spongy texture.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Gently squeeze each vada to remove excess water. Be careful not to break them.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Repeat the frying and soaking process until all the batter is used.
  • In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for the dish.
  • Stir in the red chili powder and roasted cumin powder into the yogurt. This adds a warm, savory depth of flavor.
  • Place the soaked vadas in a serving bowl.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour the spiced yogurt over the vadas. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also chills the dish, making it even more refreshing.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Just before serving, drizzle the green mint chutney and sweet tamarind chutney generously over the yogurt-soaked vadas.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander, a sprinkle of red chili powder, and a pinch of chaat masala for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Serve the Dahi Bhalla immediately and enjoy!
    Dahi Bhalla: Refreshing Lentil Fritters in Spiced Yogurt - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra-soft bhallas, soak the fried vadas in warm water for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the yogurt. Gently squeeze out excess water so they absorb the curd better and become melt-in-the-mouth.
  • If you prefer a healthier version, try air frying or baking the vadas at 200°C (392°F) until golden brown, then proceed with soaking and assembling as usual.
  • For an elegant presentation, layer the dahi bhalla in individual glasses or jars—start with yogurt, then bhalla, followed by chutneys and spice sprinkles, creating beautiful visible layers.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the yogurt to your liking by adding a touch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • For a richer flavor, use thick Greek yogurt or hung curd (yogurt strained through cheesecloth).
  • Experiment with different chutneys like mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a spicy chili garlic chutney to add variety and depth of flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover dahi bhalla (assembled with yogurt and chutneys) in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, keep extra vadas and yogurt separate if you plan to serve later, to prevent them from getting overly soggy.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.67 from 9 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 1140mgSugar: 4g

femina shiraz
femina shiraz

I love to eat good food and serve delicious food to my family and friends too.

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4.67 from 9 votes

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