Keerai Vadai, also known as Spinach Vada, is a popular South Indian snack made with a delicious combination of lentils, spinach, and spices. These crispy and savory vadas are a favorite street food in South India and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or as a side dish with meals. Keerai Vadai is not only flavorful but also nutritious, thanks to the addition of fresh spinach, making it a wholesome and satisfying snack option.
Table of Contents
Keerai Vadai (Spinach Vada): Ingredients Required
To prepare Keerai Vadai, you will need the following ingredients:
- Split Bengal Gram (Chana Dal): soaked and drained.
- Fresh Spinach Leaves: washed and chopped.
- Onion: finely chopped.
- Green Chilies: finely chopped.
- Ginger: grated.
- Garlic: minced.
- Curry Leaves: finely chopped.
- Coriander Leaves: finely chopped.
- Fennel Seeds: for flavor.
- Cumin Seeds: for flavor.
- Salt: to taste.
- Asafoetida (Hing): for flavor.
- Rice Flour: for binding.
- Oil: for deep-frying.
Cooking Process
1. Grinding the Lentils:
- Grind the soaked chana dal into a coarse paste without adding water. Transfer the ground dal to a mixing bowl.
2. Preparing the Spinach Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped spinach, onions, green chilies, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, coriander leaves, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and asafoetida.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Mixing the Lentils and Spinach:
- Add the ground chana dal to the spinach mixture and mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle rice flour over the mixture to bind everything together. Mix until the mixture holds its shape.
4. Shaping and Frying the Vadas:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a flat disc or ball.
- Carefully slide the vadas into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried vadas from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Keerai Vadai hot with coconut chutney, green chutney, or tomato ketchup.
- Enjoy them as a snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee or as a side dish with meals.
Flavor Profile
Keerai Vadai is characterized by its crispy texture and savory flavor. The combination of lentils, spinach, and spices creates a deliciously aromatic and flavorful snack that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With its golden brown exterior and soft, fluffy interior, Keerai Vadai is a delight to bite into and is perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Keerai Vadai is a classic South Indian snack that is loved by people of all ages. Whether enjoyed as a tea-time snack or as a side dish with meals, these crispy and flavorful vadas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its nutritious ingredients and irresistible taste, Keerai Vadai is a must-try dish that will leave you craving for more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Keerai Vadai?
- Keerai Vadai, also known as Spinach Vada, is a South Indian snack made from a mixture of split Bengal gram (chana dal), fresh spinach (keerai), and aromatic spices.
- How did Keerai Vadai originate?
- Keerai Vadai has its origins in South India, where it is a cherished part of the culinary tradition. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with variations adapted to suit individual tastes.
- Is Keerai Vadai spicy?
- The level of spiciness in spinach vada can be adjusted according to individual preferences by varying the amount of green chilies used in the recipe.
- Can I use other greens besides spinach for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use other greens, such as fenugreek leaves (methi) or amaranth leaves (thandu keerai), as alternatives to spinach in the vada mixture.
- What are some traditional accompaniments for Keerai Vadai?
- Keerai Vadai is traditionally served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar for dipping, along with a cup of hot tea or coffee.