Medu vada

Method

1. 1 Soak the urad beans in water for 4 hours until they swell, then rinse thoroughly and drain well.
2. 2 Grind the beans with as little water as possible until they form a thick, fluffy, and smooth paste.
3. 3 Beat the flour mixture by hand for 3 minutes to allow air to enter; the flour is ready when you drop a small amount into a bowl of water.
4. 4 Mix green chilies, minced ginger, chopped curry leaves, cumin seeds, pepper, asafoetida powder, and salt into the flour.
5. 5 Wet your palms, flatten the dough into a circle, poke a hole in the center, and gently drop it into the hot oil.
6. 6 Fry for 5 minutes, flipping until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 31 min

  Replace step 6: Place the shaped vada on perforated baking paper, spray thoroughly with oil, and fry at 190 degrees for 12 minutes, flipping at the 6th minute; keep the hole in the middle to ensure even cooking.