Step 1

Wash dal several times and soak in lot of water for at least 4 to 5 hrs.

Step 2

Drain the water completely and transfer the dal to a mixer grinder jar. If you have a wet grinder, you can use it.

Step 3

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons water. Next add salt and start grinding.

Step 4

Next scrape off the sides and then grind again. Whenever needed sprinkle only as much as 1 ½ tsps. Ice cold water evenly.

Step 5

Again continue to grind to a coarse thick batter. Ensure your grinder does not become hot.

Step 6

Sprinkle water. Grind again till the batter looks fluffy and white.

Step 7

Transfer this to a bowl. Aerate the batter by beating it with your hand in a clockwise direction for 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 8

Test the batter if it is aerated well.  Drop a small batter ball in bowl full of water. The ball has to float meaning it is light. This is needed to get fluffy medu vada.

Step 9

If the batter doesn't float well, means either the batter is runny or is not aerated well. Read the notes below to know what to do with runny batter.

Step 10

If the batter is in right consistency still it is not floating well. Then beat the batter once more.

Step 11

Add crushed pepper, cumin, ginger,scurry leaves, green chilies and onions. Mix everything well.

Step 12

Heat oil in a deep heavy bottom kadai or pan on a medium heat till hot enough.

Step 13

Drop a small amount of batter to check if the oil is hot. The batter raises if the oil is hot enough.

Step 14

Dip your fingers in water or oil to moisten your fingers. Water should not be dripping.

Step 15

Take small portions of batter.  Shape to a ball, slightly flatten with thumb.

Step 16

Dip the thumb in water, again no dripping water. Make a hole in the center.

Step 17

Gently slide the vada in the hot oil by gently shaking off the fingers.

Step 18

Or place the ball on a greased sheet. Flatten it slightly and make a hole in the centre.

Step 19

If the oil becomes too hot, regulate the flame to medium.

Step 20

Moisten your fingers again. Lift the corner part of the sheet and transfer the vada on to your fingers. Then drop it just by shaking your fingers.

Step 21

Fry medu vada till they turn golden on both sides.

Step 22

Make them and fry them in batches till you use up all the batter. In between every batch, wait till the oil heats up, if not hot.

Step 23

Serve medu vada with coconut chutney or tiffin sambar.