ULUNDU VADAI/ URAD DAL VADAI

Ulundu or Medu vadai is a popular South Indian delicacy. It is often served for breakfast with Idlis along with Sambar and chutney. It can also be had as a snack as it is or as sambar vadai where it is soaked in hot sambar. This delicious vadai is also served during iftars (at the time of breaking the fast during Ramadhan) along with other delicacies. There are several variations of Ulundu vadai and this is one which we often prepare at home.

Ingredients

1 cup Urad dal/ mash ki dal/ ulundu paruppu
1 onion finely chopped
a pinch of soda
a handful of chopped coriander leaves
1/2 tbsp ginger paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Method:

Soak the dal overnight in water. Then clean the dal twice or thrice, drain the excess water and grind to a fine paste. Transfer to a bowl, add all the other ingredients and mix well. Check for taste and add chilli powder or salt if necessary. Now heat oil in a pan, drop a small ball into it, if it rises immediately to the surface then oil is ready. Now apply water to your hand, take small balls, form a circle and using your thumb make a small hole at the centre. Carefully transfer it to hot oil. In the same way prepare 4 to 5 vadai depending on the size of your pan and deep fry till golden brown in colour. Turn over once or twice if necessary for even cooking. Transfer to a tissue paper and repeat the procedure with the rest of the mixture.

Adjust the heat of the oil by simmering in between. Hot ulundu vadai are ready to be served.