Spicy Moong Dal Balls (Vadai) Recipe: Flavorful Indian Snack
50 minutes
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About Spicy Moong Dal Balls (Vadai) Recipe: Flavorful Indian Snack
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Spicy Moong Dal Balls, a delightful Indian snack perfect for breakfast or a quick and satisfying bite. These protein-packed vadas are made with simple ingredients – moong dal (split yellow lentils), aromatic spices, and a touch of heat – creating a unique culinary experience.Each bite offers a delightful explosion of spice and texture, perfectly balanced with the creamy interior of the moong dal. Serve these crispy fritters hot with your favorite chutney or dip for an unforgettable taste.This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a guilt-free treat for health-conscious individuals. It's easy to make and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Recipe Time & More
Prep35 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Moong Dal Batter
- 1 cup Lentils also known as green gram, moong dal, split, yellow
- 1/2 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste freshly grated is best
- 1 tsp Garlic Paste
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida hing
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference, red
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
For the Tempering & Sauce
- 2 tbsp Oil vegetable or any neutral oil
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 medium Onion finely chopped
- 1 medium Tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Coriander finely chopped, for garnish
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Mango Powder amchur, optional, adds tanginess, dry
Instructions
Prepare the Moong Dal Batter
- Soak the moong dal in water for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. Drain and remove the skins if desired. Blend the soaked dal with a little water until a smooth batter forms.
Cook the Batter
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan. Add salt, ginger-garlic paste, asafoetida, and turmeric powder. Mix well with the moong dal batter.
- Cook the batter over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a halwa-like consistency. This may take 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Shape the cooled mixture into small balls.
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the remaining oil in a wok or pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Stir in red chili powder, dry mango powder (if using), and garam masala. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Combine and Serve
- Gently add the moong dal balls to the sauce and stir carefully to coat them evenly. Add lemon juice.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with your favorite chutney or dip.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Spicy Moong Dal Balls
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of curry leaves while tempering the spices.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying the balls. Fry them in batches to ensure they are evenly browned and crispy.
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to adjust the consistency.
- Feel free to experiment with different chutneys or dips to complement the spicy flavor of the vadais.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 58kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 570mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
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This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
Such a scrumptious dish! Thank you.
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.