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Paruppu Vadai, also known as Dal Vada, is a crispy and flavorful South Indian snack made with lentils and aromatic spices. Perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee, these fritters are a favorite during festive occasions or rainy evenings. Here’s how you can make the perfect paruppu vadai with accurate measurements.

Ingredients

• Chana dal (Bengal gram) – 1 cup

• Dry red chilies – 3 to 4

• Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon

• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)

• Green chilies – 1 to 2 (finely chopped)

• Curry leaves – 8 to 10 (finely chopped)

• Ginger – 1/2 inch piece (grated)

• Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)

• Rice flour – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra crispiness)

• Oil – For deep frying

Instructions

1. Soak the Lentils

• Wash 1 cup of chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 2 to 3 hours.

2. Grind the Mixture

• Drain the soaked chana dal and reserve 2 tablespoons of the dal for texture.

• Grind the remaining dal along with 3 to 4 dry red chilies and 1 teaspoon fennel seeds to a coarse paste without adding water.

3. Prepare the Vadai Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dal paste, reserved whole dal, finely chopped onion, green chilies, curry leaves, and grated ginger.

• Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of rice flour for extra crispiness (optional). Mix well to form a thick batter.

4. Shape the Vadai

• Take a small portion of the batter (about the size of a lemon) and flatten it into a round disc with your hands. Repeat with the remaining batter.

5. Deep Fry the Vadai

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the shaped vadai.

• Fry in batches until golden brown and crisp, flipping occasionally for even cooking.

• Remove the vadai with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

6. Serve Hot

• Serve the paruppu vadai warm with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Perfect Paruppu Vadai

• Do not grind the dal into a smooth paste; a coarse texture gives the vadai its signature crunch.

• Avoid adding water while grinding the dal to maintain the right consistency.

• Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference.

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful paruppu vadai as a snack or an appetizer—it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!