Moong Dal Dahi Vadas
Moong Dal Dahi Vadas

Dahi Vadas are lentil dumplings dipped in yogurt and topped with spicy savory tamarind chutney. These are great as a side dish for a formal dinner, appetizer or served as a chaat.

Ingredients

  • For the Vada’s

  • Image
    1 cup green moong dal (split green gram)
  • Image
    2 green chilies, roughly chopped
  • Image
    A pinch of asafetida (Hing)
  • Image
    Salt to taste
  • Image
    1/2 tsp fruit salt
  • Image
    1 and 1/4 tsp oil for greasing and cooking
  • For the Curds

  • Image
    2 cups low-fat curds (dahi)
  • Image
    Salt to taste
  • Image
    1 tsp oil
  • Image
    1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • Other Ingredients

  • Image
    1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder
  • Image

    1. 2 tsp chili powder

Method
  • For the Vada’s

  • Image
    Clean, wash and soak the moong dal in enough water in a deep bowl for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Image
    Drain, add the green chilies and blend in a mixer to a smooth paste, using approx. 1/2 cup of water.
  • Image
    Transfer the paste into a bowl, add the asafetida and salt and mix well.
  • Image
    Sprinkle the fruit salt and 1 tbsp of water over it. When the bubbles form, mix gently.
  • Image
    Grease a non-stick tava (griddle) using ¼ tsp of oil.
  • Image
    Pour ladlesful of the batter on it to make 3 to 4 Vada’s at a time.
  • Image
    Cover with a lid and cook on a slow flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Image
    Turn upside down, cover again and cook on a slow flame using ⅛ tsp of oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Image
    Repeat with the remaining mixture to make more Vada’s.
  • Image
    Soak them in enough water in a bowl for 2 minutes. Thereafter, squeeze out the water and keep aside.

  • For the Curds

  • Image
    Combine the curds and salt in a bowl and mix well using a whisk.
  • Image
    Heat the oil in a small non-stick pan and add the mustard seeds.
  • Image
    When the seeds crackle, add this tempering to the whisked curds and mix well.
  • Image
    Divide the mixture onto 4 equal portions and keep aside.
  • How to proceed

  • Image
    Place two Vada’s on a serving plate and spread a portion of the curds mixture evenly over the Vada’s.
  • Image
    Sprinkle ¼ tsp of cumin seeds powder and ½ tsp of chili powder over it.
  • Image
    Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more servings.
  • Image
    Serve immediately.