Paruppu /Masala Vada

Paruppu or Masala vada is a popular South Indian snack that goes well with Tea.We love it during the winter months when all we long for is something hot and spicy which will not only warm our tummy but also our spirits. This is also popular snack made at road side eateries and beaches in Chennai.


What you need to make Paruppu /Masala Vada :

• Chana dal - 2 cups (soaked in water for 2 hours at least)
• Red onion - 1 chopped fine
• Green chilli - 3 chopped fine (according to spice level)
• Red Chilli - 2 - broken (according to spice level)
• Ginger - a small piece - chopped fine
• Hing/Asafoetida - a pinch
• Sweet cumin - 1/2 tbsp
• Besan powder - a few tbsp( optional)
• Curry leaves - a few leaves - chopped fine
• Cilantro - a small bunch - chopped fine
• Salt to taste

The preparation method :

• Grind the Chana Dal, Red Chilies with Salt in a blender or a food processor without addingwater. Don’t grind them into a paste. Grind them coarsely.
• Take this batter in a vessel.Finally add the ingredients (Red onions, green chillies, ginger, sweet cumin, cilantro,curry leaves and hing). Mix them together.Add besan powder if the consistency of the batter is not thick.It looked like this for us:

• Make a round shape with your hands running through the edges. You could also apply some oil in a plastic paper and make the shape of vada.Drop the vada into the oil. Deep fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown.
• Hot and spicy Paruppu or Masala vada is ready to served with chutney or sambhar.It is good enough on its own too.