Masala Vadai

A popular South Indian evening tea time snack.

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Masala Vadai (or Masala Vada)  is a very very popular South Indian deep fried snack. Also known as Chana Dal Vada, they are a very popular evening tea time snack across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Often served as an appetizer snack during weddings and special occasions, they are also a popular street food found in numerous roadside stalls and beaches.

Serve it with coconut chutney for best taste.

4.67 from 3 votes

Masala Vadai Recipe

A popular South Indian evening tea time snack.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: South Indian

Ingredients for Masala Vadai

• 2 cup Bengal Gram Dal (Chana Dal)
• 4 to 5 Onions finely chopped
• 10 Green Chillies finely chopped
• 1 inch Ginger peeled, finely chopped
• 3 tsp Saunf Powder (Fennel Seed Powder)
• 1 tbsp Salt
• few Curry Leaves
• as required Oil

How to make Masala Vadai

• Soak the dal in enough water for 2 to 3 hours.
• Drain well.
• Add salt, saunf power and grind to a coarse paste.
• Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add onions, ginger, curry leaves and green chillies.
• Mix well.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame.
• Take small lemon sized balls of the dough and flatten them lightly on your palms.
• Gently drop them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
• Remove and drain excess oil.
• Serve with coconut chutney and sambar of choice.