In the USA and UK many people enjoy Indian food in restaurants. Dishes like curry, naan bread, and samosas are already famous. But there is one more dish that is very popular in South India which is still not so common outside India. It is called Medu Vada. It looks like a donut because of the round shape with a hole in the center. But it is not sweet. It is a savory snack that is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
People in South India usually eat Medu Vada for breakfast or as a snack with tea or coffee. It is also served with coconut chutney and a lentil soup called sambar. If you live in the USA or UK you can still enjoy this dish at home. All you need is urad dal which is also known as black gram lentils. You can find this in Indian or Asian grocery stores that are common in cities like New York, London, Birmingham, Chicago, and many more.
The cooking process is simple but needs a little practice. You soak the lentils, grind them into a fluffy batter, shape them, and deep fry them. Once you try it the taste will remind you of authentic South Indian flavors. The best part is that it is completely gluten free and also naturally vegan. So people with dietary needs in the USA and UK can enjoy it without worry.
Ingredients
- One cup urad dal (skinned black gram lentils)
- One third teaspoon salt
- Ice cold water for grinding
- One or two chopped green chilies
- One small onion finely chopped
- One teaspoon grated ginger
- One sprig curry leaves chopped
- Half teaspoon cumin seeds
- Oil for deep frying
How to Make Medu Vada
- Wash the urad dal well and soak in water for four to five hours.
- Drain fully and grind the dal with salt and little ice cold water until the batter is thick, white, and fluffy.
- Transfer the batter to a bowl and whisk it for one minute to add air. This makes the vada soft inside.
- Mix in onion, green chili, ginger, curry leaves, and cumin seeds.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Wet your hands, take a small ball of batter, flatten it, and make a hole in the center like a donut.
- Gently slide it into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time until golden and crispy.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain extra oil.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Tips for USA and UK Readers
- Buy urad dal from Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers in the USA or local Asian shops in the UK.
- If you do not have curry leaves you can skip them or use extra coriander leaves.
- Use sunflower oil or vegetable oil for frying since they are easy to find in both USA and UK supermarkets.
- If you cannot shape the vada with hands you can use a spoon to drop the batter into the oil. It will still taste great even without the hole.
- Serve them with store bought mango chutney, mint chutney, or yogurt dip if coconut chutney is not available near you.
Nutrition (approx per piece)
Calories about 108
Fat about 7 grams
Protein about 3 grams
Carbohydrates about 7 grams
Fiber about 2 grams
Serving Ideas
Serve them hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a full South Indian style meal.
For a Western twist serve them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce.
They make a great party snack for guests who like to try new international foods.
Enjoy them with afternoon tea or coffee just like people in South India.
FAQs
1. What is Medu Vada
It is a South Indian savory donut made with lentils.
2. Where can I find urad dal in USA or UK
You can buy it from Indian grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, or online websites like Amazon.
3. Do I need special equipment
No, just a blender to grind the lentils and a deep frying pan.
4. Can I make it gluten free
Yes it is naturally gluten free because it is made with lentils not flour.
5. Can I bake Medu Vada instead of frying
Yes you can bake or air fry them but the texture will not be as crispy as the fried version.
6. What can I serve instead of coconut chutney
You can use mint chutney, mango chutney, yogurt sauce, or even ketchup.
7. Can I store the batter
Yes you can store in fridge for one day. Whisk before frying.
8. Can I freeze cooked vadas
Yes freeze them and reheat in oven.
9. Is this vegan
Yes it is vegan as long as you fry in vegetable oil.
10. Is this dish very spicy
No, it is mildly spicy. You can control the spice by adding or skipping green chilies.
