Perugu Vada

South Indian style Dahi vada

Perugu vada is one of the famous South Indian Snacks, explicitly served on special occasions or festivals or as an evening snack.In spite of being a deep-fried snack, it will be a perfect soothing snack on those hot days since it is dunked in yoghurt. I love the combination of this cool dahi vada, which compliments any heavy/spicy meal.

It tastes best when served chilled and is ideal to serve at parties as it can  be made in advance and chilled in the refrigerator. Especially on a hot summer day, when you want something to cool you off dig into these beauties and feel refreshed.

North Indian dahi wada/dahi bhalla is little more flavourful and has more spices involved. This south indian style dahi vada is more simple and is quick to make. Also when you have left over vadas, you can make these delicious vadas soaked in tampered buttermilk and surprise your loved ones.

Ingredients:-

Urad Dal- 2 cups
Green chilli- 2
Ginger – 1/4 inch piece
Pepper- 1/2 tsp
Salt– to taste
Rice flour- 2 tsp
Water– as required
Oil– to deep fry
Few curry leaves
Curd- 2 cups
Milk 1/2 cup
Boiling water- 1 cup

To Temper:-

Oil- 3 tesp
Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds- 1 tsp
Curry leaves – few
Red Chillies- 2
Hing – a generous pinch

Method:-

Soak  urad dal for minimum 3 to 4 hours. Now drain and grind in a blender with chili, ginger, pepper, rice flour and some curry leaves to a very smooth batter.
Add little water as needed to make a fine paste. Take a small portion in your hands, flatten and make a small hole in the center and drop in HOT oil. (You can always use a plastic sheet to make this to get perfect shape) Fry them till golden brown and drain in a paper towel.

In a flat surface vessel, pour some hot boiling water and soak the vadas for minimum 15 minutes flipping them in between. This has to be done patiently to ensure the vadas melt in your mouth and are soft inside.

In a kadai, add all the ingredients under temper and let them splutter. Mix milk and curd with some salt and keep it ready.

Now in the same bowl you soaked vadas, remove excess water and add the thick buttermilk. Once all the vadas are covered with curd pour the hot temper on top and serve immediately or chill them in refrigerator and serve cold.