Gluten-Free Masala Vada
Satisfy your craving for a crispy, flavorful snack with this *Gluten-Free Masala Vada*, a beloved South Indian delicacy that’s perfect for tea-time or festive gatherings. Made with soaked chana dal (split chickpeas) and an aromatic blend of spices like fennel, cumin, and asafoetida, these golden-brown fritters are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Fresh additions like green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and coriander infuse them with a zesty, herbaceous kick, while being naturally gluten-free makes them ideal for a variety of dietary needs. Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, these vadas can be served hot with coconut chutney or mint sauce for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy evening snack, this protein-packed recipe offers a timeless combination of nutrition and indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 medium (finely chopped) Onion
- 2 small (finely chopped) Green chilies
- 1 inch piece (finely chopped) Ginger
- 10 leaves (chopped) Curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon Asafoetida
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups (for frying) Oil
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh coriander
Instructions
Rinse the chana dal thoroughly under running water and soak it in 2 cups of water for at least 2 hours.
Drain the soaked chana dal thoroughly and reserve 2 tablespoons of it for texture. Add the rest to a blender along with fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Blend to a coarse paste without adding any water. You want it chunky, not smooth.
Transfer the blended mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the reserved whole chana dal, finely chopped onion, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, fresh coriander, and salt to the mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
While the oil is heating, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it lightly in your palms to form a round disc, around half an inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Once the oil is hot (drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil, and if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready), gently slide 4-5 discs into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining vadas.
Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4801 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 461.2 g | 591% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.5 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2430 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.8 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.8 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.5 g | ||
| Protein | 42.0 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2295 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
