Ulundu Vadai is a very popular South Indian vadai variety often served as an evening snack or made during festivals and special occasions. Best served with coconut chutney or mint chutney and sambar.
Ingredients:
Urad Dal - 200 gms
Onions - 2, finely chopped (see note at the end of the recipe)
Green Chillies - 5 to 6
Curry Leaves - handful
Ginger - 1 inch piece, peeled
Coriander Leaves - handful
Salt as per taste
Oil as required
Method:
1. Soak the urad dal for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Drain and rinse well.
3. Add green chillies, ginger and salt.
4. Grind to a smooth paste.
5. Add the onions, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
6. Mix well.
7. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame.
8. Take a small lemon sized ball of the dough and place it on a greased banana leaf (or plastic sheet).
9. Shape it into a round and flatten it lightly.
10. Make a small hole in the middle using your index finger or using a clean spoon.
11. Gently drop it into the hot oil and deep fry until golden brown on all sides.
11. Remove and drain excess oil.
12. Serve with chutney and sambar of choice.
Note: In some traditional/orthodox households onions are not used. So you can omit onions if needed.
Tip: To check if the vadai is cooked, insert a clean knife and if it comes out clean, then the vadai is cooked.
Praveen Kumar is the founder of Awesome Cuisine. He started Awesome Cuisine in 2008 to showcase the rich culinary heritage of India and also as a means to track his love for food. A Digital Marketer by profession and a foodie by passion, he has been involved in food ever since his school days.