Vada is a popular snack food in India, typically served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. It is a deep-fried snack made using various lentils and spices. Vadas are usually round or donut-shaped, with a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. They are popular across the country, but each region has its own unique variation. In this article, we will explore some of the different types of vadas.
Medhu Vada
Medhu Vada is a popular South Indian snack made using urad dal. The lentils are soaked, ground into a batter, and then shaped into donut-shaped balls. These balls are then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Medhu vada is typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Masala Vada
Masala Vada, also known as Paruppu Vada, is a popular snack from Tamil Nadu. It is made using chana dal, which is soaked, ground, and mixed with a variety of spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crispy. Masala vada is typically served with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
Karamani vada
Karamani vada is a popular South Indian snack made with black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. To prepare karamani vada, black-eyed peas are soaked overnight and then ground to a coarse paste along with onions, green chilies, ginger, and other spices like cumin and coriander. The mixture is then shaped into small, flattened rounds and deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Karamani vada is a protein-packed snack that is not only delicious but also nutritious. Black-eyed peas are a rich source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and they offer numerous health benefits like aiding in digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing cholesterol levels.
Pearl Millet Vada
Pearl millet vada, also known as Bajra vada, is a delicious and healthy snack from Rajasthan, India. Bajra is a type of millet that is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals. Bajra vada is made using bajra flour, which is mixed with spices and herbs to create a flavorful batter. The batter is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Bajra vada is a popular snack during the monsoon season in Rajasthan. It is typically served with green chutney or tamarind chutney. The vada is gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with gluten intolerance. Additionally, pearl millet is a rich source of antioxidants and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Keerai vadai
Keerai vadai is a type of vada that is popular in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. “Keerai” means greens or spinach, and thus, this vada is made using a batter of ground lentils mixed with finely chopped spinach or other greens.
Kerala onion vada
Kerala onion vada, also known as Ulli vada, is a popular snack from the Indian state of Kerala. It is a type of fritter made with a batter of ground lentils mixed with finely chopped onions, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Kerala onion vada is a crispy, savory snack that is perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Milagu Vada
Milagu vada, also known as ulundu milagu vada, is a popular South Indian snack that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also called as Hanuman vada or anjaneyar vada which is made into garland for Lord Hanuman. It is made with a batter of ground urad dal (skinned and split black lentils) mixed with black pepper. The batter is then shaped into small discs and deep-fried to create crispy and spicy vadas.
Ama Vada
Ama vada is a special traditional dish that is made during Bhogi festival. This vada is made of toor dhal, urad dhal and channa dhal with some spices. This vada is called ama vada because, the outer covering looks like tortoise (aamai) as it is hard. It is also called as mupparuppu vada as it has three types of dhals. In this vada we do not use onions.
As three lentils are used this vada is highly nutritious.
Mochai kottai vada
Mochai kottai vada is a popular South Indian snack made with field beans (also known as mochai kottai), onions, and spices. To prepare mochai kottai vada, field beans are soaked overnight and then ground to a coarse paste along with onions, green chilies, ginger, and other spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds. The mixture is then shaped into small, flattened rounds and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Mochai kottai vada is a healthy and protein-packed snack as field beans are a rich source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They offer numerous health benefits like aiding in digestion, improving heart health, and boosting immunity.
Banana flower kola urundai
Banana flower kola urundai is a traditional South Indian snack that is made with banana flower, lentils, and spices. It is a popular dish in Tamil Nadu and is commonly served during special occasions or festivals. The dish is also known as vazhaipoo kola urundai, where “vazhaipoo” refers to banana flower and “kola urundai” means meatballs.
The preparation of banana flower kola urundai is a time-consuming process as it requires the banana flower to be cleaned and finely chopped before use. The outer layers of the banana flower are discarded, and the inner layers are finely chopped and soaked in water to prevent discoloration. The soaked banana flower is then mixed with lentils, which are soaked and ground to a coarse paste. The mixture is then flavored with a variety of spices, including red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and fennel seeds.
In conclusion, vadas are a delicious and popular snack food in India, with each region having its own unique variation. From the South Indian Medhu vada to the North Indian Bajra Vada, there is a vada for every taste. Whether you prefer a lentil-based vada or a banana flower vada, they are all delicious and worth trying. So, the next time you want to try something new, why not try.