Dahi Vada With Medu Vada – Dahi Bhalla Recipe

I wanted to try North Indian dahi vada/dahi bhalla , a famous north indian street food for long time. I love South Indian thayir vada. I thought both are same but then I came to know dahi vada is similar to curd vada made with leftover medu vada and in addition they add chaat chutneys, also the shape will be round like bonda. I got North Indian dahi recipe from a chaat book and I tried in a weekend. We all loved it. I made a batch in vada shape for my hubby and the remaining in round shape. So i’ve mentioned both in step by step pictures. Do try any based on your liking. It tastes great !

INGREDIENTS

White round urad dal – 1 cup Green chillies – 2 nos Ginger – 1 inch piece Fresh Curd – 2 – 3 cups ( mild sourness is OK) Chaat chutneys( Green & sweet chutney) – 1/2 cup each (must be in tomato sauce consistency , add water accordingly) Ginger pieces – 1 tbsp ( finely chopped) Red chilli powder – 1 tsp ( to sprinkle) Dry Roasted Cumin powder – 1 tsp (to sprinkle) Chaat masala powder – 1 tsp (to sprinkle- optional) Warm water – 1 bowl (to dip the vadas) Coriander leaves – To garnish

METHOD

To make medu vada : Wash and soak the urad dal for 30 mins. Drain all the water and grind it to a smooth paste adding chillies , ginger , salt and 1/4 cup of water. If necessary add 1-2 tbsp of water to make it very smooth. Keep the warm water ready in a bowl. Heat oil in a kadai and take a tbsp of batter and drop in the oil. OR u can take a small ball shaped batter and drop in the oil. U can make it in vada shape / donut shape too. Deep fry in both sides till golden brown. Remove and add it immediately to the warm water bowl. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile beat the curd adding salt & very less water if the curd is too thick. Please do not add water if it is already slightly watery. Take the vada in your palm & squeeze the water without changing its shape and add it to the curd. Let it soak in the curd for 10 minutes. By this time , finish the remaining batches of vada & follow the same procedure. In a serving plate , arrange 4-5 balls and pour the curd over them.Now put 1/2 tsp of  green chutney & 1 tsp of sweet chutney over each ball. Sprinkle the red chilli powder , cumin powder and finally sprinkle the ginger bits,coriander leaves & if desired oma podi.. Serve & mix & eat immediately !!