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Dal Vada: Lentil Fritters in the Air Fryer

Dal Vada, also known as Masoor Vada or Medu Vada, is a popular snack originating from the Indian subcontinent. These delicious fritters are primarily made from lentils, are crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside. Traditionally deep-fried, Dal Vada can also be prepared in an air fryer, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. In this article, we will explore the delightful recipe for Dal Vada, prepared using an air fryer, whilst ensuring that they retain their authentic flavours.

Ingredients

For the Dal Vada:

• 1 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal) or split urad dal
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Water (for soaking the lentils)
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 tablespoons grated carrot or chopped spinach for additional flavour and nutrition

Preparation Steps

1. Soaking the Lentils

Begin by rinsing the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Then, soak them in enough water to cover them completely for a minimum of 3-4 hours or overnight. Soaking softens the lentils and aids in blending them into a smooth batter.

2. Making the Batter

Once the lentils are adequately soaked, drain the water and transfer them to a blender. Add a minimal amount of fresh water—just enough to help with the blending. Blend the lentils to a coarse paste, ensuring that some texture remains. Transfer the blended lentils into a mixing bowl.

3. Mixing the Ingredients

Add the finely chopped onion, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, fresh coriander, curry leaves, salt, asafoetida, and any optional ingredients you may choose. Mix thoroughly until all the components are well combined. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape.

4. Preheating the Air Fryer

Before you start shaping the vadas, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.

5. Shaping the Vadas

With your hands, take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a round ball, then flatten it slightly to form a disc. Make a small hole in the centre, resembling a doughnut. Repeat this step for the remaining batter.

6. Air Frying the Dal Vadas

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Carefully place the formed vadas in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly, resulting in a perfectly crisp texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

Air fry the vadas at 180°C (356°F) for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for an even finish. If you desire extra crispiness, you can spray a bit more oil on top before they finish cooking.

7. Serving

Once ready, remove the Dal Vada from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or even a tangy tamarind sauce for an added zing. They make for a perfect snack or a tea-time delight!

Conclusion

Air-frying Dal Vada not only reduces the oil content but also maintains the scrumptious flavour and crispiness that makes this dish a favourite among many. This method of preparation allows you to enjoy traditional Indian snacks with fewer calories, making them suitable for health-conscious individuals without sacrificing flavour. Next time you fancy a tasty, guilt-free treat, why not try your hand at making these delectable lentil fritters in your air fryer? Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich taste that Dal Vada has to offer!