Keerai Vadai (Spinach Vada) Recipe: A Crispy and Flavorful South Indian Snack 2024

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.

Keerai Vadai

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)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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