🌟 Introduction | परिचय
There’s something magical about biting into a soft, chilled dahi vada on a warm afternoon. The creamy yogurt, the tang of tamarind, the crunch of boondi, and the whisper of spices—it’s not just a dish, it’s nostalgia on a plate. Whether it’s Holi, Diwali, or a Sunday family gathering, दही वड़ा is a timeless comfort food that brings people together. ALSO snacks like aloo tikki , samosa, chilli potato feels like home
In this blog, we’ll explore the authentic North Indian dahi vada recipe, with tips for making it super soft, flavorful, and festive-ready.
🧾 Ingredients | सामग्री
For the Vada:
- 1 cup urad dal (split black gram) and moong daal – soaked overnight
- 1 green chili – chopped
- 1 inch ginger – grated
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Yogurt Base:
- 2.5 cups thick curd (dahi)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney (mint-coriander)
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
- Black salt
- Pomegranate seeds
🥣 Step-by-Step Recipe | स्टेप-बाय-स्टेप विधि
🥣 Step 1: Soak the Urad Dal And moong daal| उड़द दाल भिगोना
Duration: 6–8 hours or overnight
Why it matters: Soaking softens the dal, making it easier to grind and fluffier when fried.
- Take 3/4 cup of whole or split urad dal and 1/4 cup moong daal and rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Soak in enough water to cover the dal by 2 inches.
- Leave it overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Optional: Add a pinch of baking soda if you want extra softness (traditional cooks often skip this).
🧠 Tip: Use a wide bowl so the dal has room to expand.
🌀 Step 2: Grind the Batter | दाल पीसना
Texture goal: Thick, fluffy, and smooth—not runny.
- Drain the soaked dal completely.
- Add it to a mixer grinder
- Grind using very little water—add 1 tbsp at a time.
- Scrape down the sides and grind until the batter is smooth and light.
🎯 Check: The batter should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.
💪 Step 3: Whisk the Batter | बैटर फेंटना
Duration: 7–10 minutes
Why it matters: Aeration makes the vadas soft and spongy.
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl and add baking soda.
- Whisk vigorously in one direction using a spoon or hand whisk.
- You’ll notice the batter becoming lighter in color and fluffier in texture.
- now add black salt
- now add red chilli
- now add jeera / jeera powder
🧠 Tip: Use a balloon whisk or even your hands for better control.
🍳 Step 4: Fry the Vadas | वड़े तलना
Oil temperature: Medium—not too hot, not too cold.
- Heat oil in a deep kadhai or pan.
- Wet your fingers or use a spoon to shape small balls or discs of batter.
- Gently slide them into the hot oil.
- Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
🎯 Check: Vadas should be golden, puffed, and light—not dense or oily.
💧 Step 5: Soak the Vadas | वड़े भिगोना
Purpose: Removes excess oil and softens the vadas.
- Prepare a bowl of warm water with a pinch of salt and hing.
- now add roasted cumin seeds in it
- now Prepare a mixture by :
a ) adding the jeera in a pan with a very little oil
b ) now add soonf
c ) now add kaali mirch
d) now roast them properly
e) mix it in a mixture
- now mix this mixture in the water
- Add the hot vadas directly into this water.
- Let them soak for 20–30 minutes.
- Once soaked, gently press each vada between your palms to squeeze out water.
🧠 Tip: Don’t press too hard—retain some moisture for softness.
🥄 Step 6: Prepare the Yogurt | दही तैयार करना
Texture goal: Smooth, slightly sweet, and pourable.
- Take 2.5 cups of thick curd (preferably homemade or full-fat).
- Add 2 tbsp sugar and salt to taste.
- Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- If needed, add 2–3 tbsp water to adjust consistency.
🎯 Check: The yogurt should coat the back of a spoon but not be too runny.
🧂 Step 7: Make the Chutneys | चटनी बनाना
Tamarind Chutney:
- add jaggery in the water
- also add a cup of sugar
- now add the mixture that we prepare earlier
- now add black salt
- add laal mirch powder
- add turmeric powder
- add tamarind soak in warm water
- now its ready
Green Chutney:
- Blend fresh coriander, mint, green chili, ginger, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add a little water for smoothness.
🧠 Tip: Prepare chutneys in advance and refrigerate.
🧁 Step 8: Assemble the Dahi Vada | दही वड़ा सजाना
Layering is key to flavor and visual appeal.
- Place the squeezed vadas on a serving plate or bowl.
- Pour the whisked yogurt generously over them.
- Drizzle tamarind and green chutneys in artistic swirls.
- Sprinkle:
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
- Black salt
- Garnish with:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Crispy boondi (optional)
🎯 Check: The plate should look vibrant, festive, and inviting.
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
Method
- **Grind soaked dal** with ginger & chili to a thick batter. Whisk till fluffy.
- **Deep fry** spoonfuls of batter till golden. Soak vadas in warm water for 20 mins.
- **Squeeze gently** to remove excess water. Arrange on serving plate.
- **Top with whisked curd**, chutneys, and sprinkle spices.
- **Garnish** with boondi & coriander. Serve chilled.
❄️ Step 9: Chill and Serve | ठंडा करके परोसना
Why it matters: Chilling enhances flavor and texture.
- Cover and refrigerate the assembled dahi vadas for 1–2 hours.
- Serve cold with extra chutneys on the side.
🧠 Tip: Dahi vadas taste best when served slightly chilled but not icy.
🎉 Pro Tips | स्पेशल टिप्स
- Use fresh, thick curd for best results.
- Whisking the batter is non-negotiable for softness.
- Soaking in warm water helps remove oil and soften the vadas.
- Prepare chutneys in advance for easy assembly.
- Refrigerate assembled dahi vadas for 1–2 hours before serving for enhanced flavor.
📺 दही वड़ा रेसीपी, 6 स्पेशल टिप्स के साथ । Dahi Vada Recipe | Dahi … shares bonus tips to elevate your dish.
🪔 Cultural Significance | सांस्कृतिक महत्व
Dahi vada isn’t just a snack—it’s a symbol of celebration. In North India, it’s a Holi staple. In South India, its cousin Thayir Vadai is tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Across regions, it’s a dish that bridges generations.
🧠 Nutritional Insight | पोषण संबंधी जानकारी
While dahi vada is indulgent, it offers:
- Protein from urad dal
- Probiotics from yogurt
- Antioxidants from spices
To make it healthier, try air-frying the vadas or using low-fat curd.
📢 Call to Action | पाठकों से अनुरोध
Have you tried making dahi vada at home? Share your version in the comments below or tag us on Instagram with #MyDahiVadaStory. Let’s celebrate food that feels like home.
STAY CONNECTED
💓💓💓💓