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–+ servings
Plate of chaat topped with sev, green chutney, yogurt, and red tamarind sauce

Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada (also called Dahi Bhalla in some regions) is a popular Indian snack that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly flavorful. It’s made of lentil-based fritters (vadas) that are deep-fried until golden and then soaked in water to soften. These tender vadas are then immersed in creamy, whisked yogurt (dahi) and topped with a variety of spices and chutneys — like tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, roasted cumin powder, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt or chaat masala.
The combination creates a balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and cool flavors in every bite. It’s especially popular during festivals like Holi and served as a beloved street food or festive appetizer.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 304 kcal
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Ingredients
  

For the Vada

For Assembling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the batter

  • Rinse and soak urad dal in water for 4–5 hours or overnight.
  • Drain the water and grind the dal to a smooth, thick batter using minimal water.
  • Add salt, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies, then whisk the batter for 2–3 minutes to aerate it (this helps the vadas turn soft).

Step 2: Fry the vadas

  • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium flame.
  • Drop small portions of batter (like dumplings) gently into the hot oil.
  • Fry until they turn light golden and crisp, then remove and drain on paper towel.

Step 3: Soak the vadas

  • In a bowl of warm water, add a pinch of salt.
  • Soak the fried vadas for 15–20 minutes until they soften.
  • Gently press them between your palms to remove excess water—and they’re ready for the yogurt bath.

Step 4: Assemble

  • Place the vadas in a large serving dish.
  • Pour the whisked yogurt evenly over all the vadas.
  • Drizzle with tamarind and green chutneys.
  • Sprinkle cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and chaat masala.
  • Garnish with coriander leaves, sev, or pomegranate seeds.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving if you prefer a cold version. Serve as a snack, side, or appetizer—perfect for festive meals or summer afternoons!
Start Cooking
Disclaimer

Some parts or all of recipe maybe AI-generated. Recipe pictures are examples of recipe and represent no affiliation with photographer.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 49g (16%)Protein: 17g (34%)Fat: 5g (8%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mg (5%)Sodium: 110mg (5%)Potassium: 225mg (6%)Fiber: 11g (46%)Sugar: 18g (20%)Vitamin A: 204IU (4%)Vitamin C: 6mg (7%)Calcium: 189mg (19%)Iron: 4mg (22%)
Disclaimer

Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Keyword comfort food, festival food, fried, spicy
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