This is north Indian dahi bhalla recipe. deep fried lentil dumplings topped with yogurt, chutneys and chili powder, roasted cumin powder.
Ingredients
For Vada:1 cup Urad dal (split, skinless black gram)
½ cup Water for grinding
2 Green chili finely chopped
Salt to taste
a pinch or ⅛ teaspoon Baking soda
Oil for frying the vadas
Dahi mixture:2 ½ to 3 cups Plain yogurt -
1 teaspoon Roasted cumin powder
1 teaspoon Red chili powder
Salt to taste
For topping:½ cup Green coriander chutney or as needed
½ cup Meethi chutney (Tamarind date chutney) or as needed
1 teaspoon Red chili powder for garnishing
1 teaspoon Roasted cumin powder for garnishing
Method* Wash urad dal under running cold water till water runs clear.
* Soak it in enough water for at least 4-5 hours.
* prepare both chutneys. or you can make them a day before and keep in the refrigerator.
* Take yogurt in a bowl.
* Add red chili powder, roasted cumin powder and salt.
* Whisk it till it gets smooth. Keep refrigerated till needed.
* Drain the soaking water completely. Add that to the blender or grinder.
* Make smooth paste out of it. Use ½ cup of water while grinding the dal. Remove it to a bowl.
* Add chopped green chilies, salt and baking soda. Mix well.
* Now using a spatula or by hand, beat the batter for good 5 minutes.
* Beat it till batter gets light and fluffy.
* Now check the right batter consistency. Take water in a small bowl or katori. drop a teaspoon of batter into the water. It should be floating on top. If it sinks to the bottom means batter has thin consistency. Adjust it by adding couple of tablespoons of semolina (sooji or rava).
* Now heat the oil in a pan on medium heat for frying the vadas.
* Once hot drop the vadas using two spoons or by hand.
* Fry the vada on medium heat. Keep moving to get even cooking and browning.
* Fry till they are crispy and golden brown in color. You will have to fry them in batches.
* Remove it to a paper towel lined plate.
* Take water in a large vessel or bowl. Add the warm vada into the water.
* Keep frying and adding them into the water. Let it soak for 30-40 minutes.
* After that we need to squeeze the excess water. Very lightly press it between your plam.
* Arrange the squeezed vadas into a bowl.
* Add yogurt, all the vada should be covered with yogurt.
* Drizzle green coriander chutney.
* Also drizzle tamarind date chutney.
* Lastly sprinkle some red chili powder and roasted cumin powder.
* Serve the immediately. Or you can refrigerate it.