Dairy-Free Medu Vada

Crispy, golden, and utterly delicious, Dairy-Free Medu Vada is a delightful South Indian classic reimagined for those seeking a plant-based twist. Made with a fluffy and airy urad dal batter, these savory lentil fritters are infused with bold aromatics like finely chopped ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and cumin seeds for an irresistible burst of flavor with every bite. A touch of rice flour ensures the iconic crispy crust, while the absence of dairy makes this dish perfect for those with dietary restrictions. These donut-shaped fritters are deep-fried to perfection and served piping hot with tangy coconut chutney and fragrant sambar, offering a satisfying vegan treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or festive occasions. Whether you’re catering to a dairy-free lifestyle or simply exploring South Indian cuisine, this Medu Vada recipe is sure to charm your taste buds and guests alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Urad Dal (split black gram)
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, finely chopped
• 2 pieces Green Chilies, finely chopped
• 10 leaves Curry Leaves, chopped
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Rice Flour
• 0 as needed Oil for deep frying

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the urad dal thoroughly in water until the water runs clear. Soak it in enough water for about 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Drain the soaked urad dal and add it to a blender or wet grinder. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and blend to a fluffy, thick batter. Add more water if needed, but ensure the batter is not too runny.

Step 3

Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl. Add salt, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, onion, coriander leaves, and rice flour. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and comes up immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Step 5

Wet your hand with water and take a small portion of batter. Shape it into a ball and then make a hole in the center with your thumb to form a donut shape. Alternatively, you can use a damp piece of plastic wrap to shape the vadas.

Step 6

Carefully slide the shaped vada into the hot oil. Fry only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they are golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally for even cooking.

Step 7

Remove the fried medu vadas using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 8

Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(993.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5253.7

Total Fat 504.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2456.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.2g	0%
Total Sugars 6.5g
Protein 54.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 366.9mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 2354.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 84.7%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 11.2%