By Garima Johar
July 22, 2026
The South Indian staple breakfast and a go-to snack, medu vada features a crispy shell and a soft interior. Made with urad dal, it is either dunked in sambar or enjoyed with nariyal chutney. Make it in 5 easy steps.
1 cup urad dal 2-3 cups water 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 2-3 green chillies 1 onion 1 inch of ginger 1/4 cup coriander leaves Salt to taste Curry leaves Oil for frying
Rinse and soak urad dal. Grind with cumin seeds till you get a paste-like consistency.
Add a little water and salt, and whisk the batter vigorously to make it lighter and fluffier.
Mix in tadka made with curry leaves, green chillies, chopped onion, coriander leaves, and ginger.
Take small portions of the batter, shape them into balls, flatten them, and make a hole in the centre.
Heat some oil and deep-fry the vadas till golden brown. Serve hot with chutney or sambar.