By Garima Johar
October 15, 2025
Dal vada is a popular South Indian street food that can be easily prepared at home for a crispy tea-time snack. While it is usually deep-fried, you can air-fry the vadas to make them healthier.
1 cup chana dal 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves 1 tablespoon curry leaves 2 green chillies 2 teaspoons red chilli powder 1/2 teaspoon hing 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt to taste Oil for deep-frying
Rinse and soak chana dal for about 2-3 hours till the dal softens.
Grind the soaked dal with a little water.
Mix it with chopped onion, coriander leaves, curry leaves, ginger paste, chillies, and all the spices.
Take small portions of the batter and deep-fry or air-fry till they are crispy.
Serve hot with sambar or your favourite chutney.