By Nandini Bhushan
Street food in India is a vibrant and integral part of culinary culture, offering diverse flavours, textures and aromas. The rich journey of Indian street food varies widely from region to region, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary tradition. From east to west and north to south, every corner offers its own unique street food made with locally available ingredients. Cheap and easily available, these street foods are consumed by millions.
Also try: Indian Street Food Recipes: Litti Chokha
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla, also known as Dahi Vada is a popular north Indian snack made with deep-fried lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt and topped with chutney and spices. Follow this recipe to make it at home.
Ingredients
(Serving for 3 to 4 persons)
For the Bhalla
Urad dal: 1 cup
Grated ginger: 1 tsp
Cumin seed: 1 tsp
Asafetida: a pinch
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying
For the yoghurt mixture
Curd: 2 cups
Water: ½ cup
Sugar: 1 tsp
Salt to taste
For the topping
Green chutney: ½ cup
Tamarind chutney: ½ cup
Red chilli powder: 1 tsp
Roasted cumin powder: 1 tsp
Chaat masala: 1 tsp
Chopped Coriander leaves: 1 tsp
Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Step 1
Rinse and soak urad dal in enough water for at least four hours or overnight.
Step 2
Drain the water and grind the soaked dal to a smooth paste with minimal water. The batter should be thick
Step 3
To this add grated ginger, cumin seed, hing and salt to taste. Mix well and heat oil in a deep frying pan. Wet your hand and take a small portion of the batter to shape them into round vadas. Fry the vada in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4
Soak the vada in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes. By doing so they will become soft and spongy.
Step 5
In a bowl whisk the yogurt with water, sugar and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Place the soaked vada on a serving plate. Place the seasoned curd over them making sure they are well covered. Drizzle green chutney and tamarind chutney over them.
Step 7
Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder and chat masala on top. Garnish with chopped Coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds. Serve the dahi bhalla chilled as a refreshing snack or appetizer.
