How to make soft and tasty dahi vada

 Introduction:

Dahi vada also knows as dahi bhalla, is a popular and classic Indian street food loved by almost everyone. This dish is made using soft and fluffy lentil fitters (vadas) prepared from urad dal , which are deep- fried and then soaked in water to make them soft. After that, they are dipped in chilled and slightly sweetened curd  dahi. Topped with tongy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and flavorful masalas, thi dish becomes irresistible. Dahi vada is not just tasty but also good for health. It Contains protein form the lentils and probiotics from the curd. During summer, this dish helps to cool the body, which is why many people enjoy it especially in hot weather. In today's recipe, we'll learn step by step how to make dahi vada at home from soaking the dal to making the chutneys and finally Plating it beautifully.

   

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal ( split and husked black gram)

• 1 green chili ( finely chopped) 

• 1- inch piece ginger ( grated) 

• 1tablespoons cumin seeds 

• Salt to taste

 
• A pinch of as afoetida ( hing) 

• Water ( to grind the dae) 

• Oil ( for deep frying) 

• 2 cups fresh curd ( well whisked) 

• 1/2 cup milk ( optional, to adjust thickness) 

• 2 tablespoons sugar ( to make it slightly sweet) 

• A pinch of salt 

Tamarind chutney: 

• 1/2 cup tamarind ( soaked ) 

• 1/2 cup jaggery or sugar  

• 1/2 tablespoons roasted cumin powder

 
• 1/2 tablespoons red chilli powder 

• Salt to taste 

• Green chutney 

• 1 cup coriander leaves 

• 1/2 cup mint leaves 

• 1 green chili 

• 1 tablespoons lemon juice 

• Salt 

• Roasted cumin powder 

• Red chili powder 

• Chaat masala 

• Fresh coriander leaves ( for garnishing)

• How to make vadas step by step 

 1. soaked the dal:

Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 5-6 hours. Once the dal swells and softens, it becomes easier to grind.

 2. grinding the dal:

During the soaked dal and grind in a mixer with very little water to make a thick and smooth paste. Do not make the batter  too runny.

 3. mixing the batter:

To the ground dal paste, add chopped green chili, grated ginger, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt. Whisk the batter in one direction for 5-10 minutes to incorporate air. This makes the vadas light and fluffy. 

 4. frying the vada:

Heat oil in a deep pan. Take small portions of batter using a spoon or hand and shape them into round vadas. Deep fry them until golden brown from both sides. Remove and place them on tissue paper to drain excess oil.

 5. Preparing the curd:

In a bowl, take warn water with a pinch of salt. Soak the fried vadas in this water 15-20 minutes to soften them. After soaked, gently press each vada to squeeze out the water. 
Whisk the curd throughly to remove lumps. Add a little milk if the curd is too thick. Mix in sugar and a pinch of salt. The curd should be smooth, slightly sweet, and not too thick. 

 • Soak tamarind in 1cups of warm water for 30 minutes.

 
 • Mash and strain to get the pulp. 

 • In a pan, add pulp, jaggery,  roasted   Cumin powder, red chilli powder, and  salt.

 • Cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.

• Let it cool and keep aside.

• Grind coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilli, lemon juice, and salt with a little water to make a smooth paste. 

• Set aside for garnishing. 

1. Take a serving plate or bowl. 

2. palace the soaked and squeezed vadas in the plate. 

3. pour the prepared curd generously over the vadas.

4. drizzle tamarind and green chutney over the top. 

5. sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala.

6. finish with chopped coriander leaves on top. 

Tips:

1. Always soak dal for at Least 6 hours for a soft paste. 

2. Whip the batter well to make airy and fluffy vadas.

3. The oil should be hot but not smoking otherwise, the vadas will remain raw inside. 

4. Soaking vadas in warm water is important to make them soft and spongy. 

5. Use chilled and sweetened curd for the best taste. 

6. You can prepare chutneys in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion: 

Dahi vada is one of those dishes that never gets boring. It's flavors change with every bite- sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy.  Making it at home may seem tricky at first, but with the right steps, it becomes easy. If you haven't tried it yet, do give it a go. It's a guaranteed hit at family gatherings and festive occasions, you'll not only impress your guests but enjoy every spoonful yourself.

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