Idly, Dosa and Medhu Vada….the holy trinity of Tamil Nadu cuisine with global fame and die-hard fans across the world. Thanks to the readymade idly/dosa batters these dishes reign high as popular household breakfast and tiffen. However, the golden brown and crisp Medhu Vadai retains its star status because its preparation requires the right skill sets beginning from soaking of the dal to grinding to frying the airy doughnut-like fritters. Also known as Uddina Vade in Kannada, Ulundhu Vadai in Tamil, Minapa Vada or Garelu in Telugu, and Uzhunnu Vada in Malayalam, the much-loved Vadai’s have evolved over the years.
A well-made Medhu Vada is a delicious snack. Crunchy on the outside and spongy inside, it can be gobbled hot out of the frying pan without any accompaniment. Usually paired with coconut chutney and spicy sambhar, this is also served dunked in sambhar as Sambhar Vadai. A traditional festive fare is the Thayir Vadai where the soft vadais float in a curd-coconut mixture. Tambrahm households serve this super delicious Vadai, soaked in rasam or Morekuzhambu too.
Whatever may be the permutations and combinations this crisp snack is an anytime delicacy. With the onset of Navaratri and Deepavali this festive fare will rule our neivedhyam. For the flawless preparation of Medhu Vadai and its variations log on to foodialogues.com.
Medhu Vadai Recipes & their Variations are given below
Medhu Vadai Recipe
- Link for medhu vadai recipe
Sambhar Vadai Recipe
- This can be made with either Arachuvitta sambhar or podi sambhar.
- Prepare vada as given in the recipe.
- Prepare sambhar as per the recipe. Use only onions and tomatoes in place of drumstick/vegetables.
- Place the Vada in a bowl. Pour hot sambhar over it.
- Drizzle a spoonful of ghee.
- Garnish with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and green chilly. Serve hot.
Morekuzhambu Vadai Recipe
- Prepare more kuzhambu following any one of the 3 methods mentioned.
- Prepare the vada as given in the link.
- Place the vada in a bowl. Pour hot Morekuzhambu over it.
- Sprinkle some finely chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Rasa Vadai Recipe
- Prepare Vada as given in the recipe link.
- You can soak the vadas in any one of the following rasams-
- Garnish the soaked Vada with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.
Thayir Vadai Recipe
- Thayir Vadai recipe link here
- Garnish Thayir vadai with any of the following –
- Grated carrot
- Finely chopped coriander leaves
- Pomegranates
- Boondhi
- Chilly powder
