/Bhalla: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lentil Dumplings in Creamy Yoghurt
65 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
20
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Dahi Vada, also known as Dahi Bhalla, is one of the popular North Indian snack recipes. Made with soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy, spiced yoghurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney, it offers a delightful mix of flavours and textures. The vadas, prepared from ground urad dal and mild spices, are fried until golden, then soaked in water to become soft and spongy. This allows them to absorb the yoghurt beautifully, making the dish not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy the benefits of eating dahi (yoghurt), such as improved digestion and gut health. A mix of chutneys, spices, and crispy sev adds layers of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury flavours, along with a delightful crunch.
Rinse the urad dal well, then soak in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain, rinse again, and set aside.
Description - Step 2
Blend the Vada Batter
In a blender, grind the soaked dal with green chillies, ginger, cumin, asafoetida and salt. Add just enough water to make a thick, smooth batter.
Description - Step 3
Fry the Vadas
Heat oil for deep frying. Wet your hands, take a lemon-sized portion of batter, flatten it slightly, then gently slide into the hot oil. Fry in batches on medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Description - Step 4
Soak the Fried Vadas
Immerse the fried vadas in a bowl of warm water for 15-20 minutes until soft and spongy. Gently squeeze out excess water, then flatten each vada slightly between your palms.
Description - Step 5
Prepare the Yoghurt
Whisk the yoghurt until smooth. Mix in sugar, black salt, cumin powder and red chilli powder. Keep chilled until ready to assemble.
Description - Step 6
Assemble the Dahi Vada
Arrange the soaked vadas in a serving bowl or plate. Pour the spiced yoghurt all over. Drizzle with tamarind chutney. Garnish with coriander leaves, pomegranate arils, chaat masala, red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder. Generously sprinkle sev for added crunch. Serve immediately.
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North Indian
Intermediate
Appetizer
