Making Dahi Vada (Indian Food)

Dahi Vada, also known as Dahi Bhalla in some regions, is a popular Indian dish made with lentil fritters soaked in yogurt and flavored with various spices and chutneys. It's a delicious and refreshing dish, perfect for hot days or as a delightful appetizer. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through making Dahi Vada:

Ingredients:

For the Vadas:

1-1 cup urad dal (skinned black gram)

2-1/4 cup moong dal (split yellow mung beans) - optional, but it adds a nice texture

3-1-inch piece of ginger, chopped

4-2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

5-A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

6-1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

7-Salt to taste

8-Oil for frying

For the Yogurt:

1-2 cups thick plain yogurt (curd)

2-1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)

3-Salt to taste

4-A pinch of roasted cumin powder

5-A pinch of red chili powder

For the Toppings:

1-Tamarind chutney

2-Green chutney (coriander and mint chutney)

3-Roasted cumin powder

4-Red chili powder

5-Chopped cilantro leaves

Instructions:

Preparation:

*Wash the urad dal and moong dal (if using) and soak them in water for 4-5 hours or   overnight.

*Drain the soaked dal and grind it into a smooth and thick paste. Add water sparingly if   needed while grinding.

*Add chopped ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt to the batter. Mix   well.

Frying the Vadas:

*Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a kadai over medium heat.

*Take small portions of the batter in your hand and drop them carefully into the hot oil.

*Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.

*Remove the fried vadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Soaking the Vadas:

*Take a large bowl of lukewarm water and soak the fried vadas in it for about 20-30   minutes. This will make the vadas soft and spongy.

Preparing the Yogurt:

*In a separate bowl, whisk the thick yogurt until smooth. Add water and salt to make a   slightly thin consistency yogurt. The vadas will absorb some yogurt, so keep it a bit runny.

Assembling the Dahi Vada:

*Squeeze the excess water out of the soaked vadas gently, and then place them on a serving   dish.

*Pour the prepared yogurt over the vadas, making sure they are well-covered.

*Sprinkle some roasted cumin powder and red chili powder over the yogurt.

Adding the Toppings:

*Drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney over the vadas according to your taste   preference.

*Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

Serve the Dahi Vada chilled as a delightful appetizer or snack. The combination of soft and spongy vadas with creamy yogurt and tangy chutneys makes it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Enjoy!