Monsoons are here. It pours heavy day and there is chill in the air.Weekends call for some delicious deep fried snack. Having fried snack once in a while is absolutely fine. Try this mixed lentil spinach fritters / vada with very minimal spice. You will enjoy every bite. Serve as snack or starters. Pack these protein rich vada for snack time.
Health Benefits of Dal / Lentils:
It is loaded with protein, fibre, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and folate that boost overall health. Protein, mineral and antioxidants help to boost immunity. The main essence of Indian cuisine is the way we integrate dal and pulses with our spices. Desserts, stews, curries, soups, snacks and many other varieties of dishes that can be made with different kind of pulses and dals. Regular consumption of dals and pulses is a great way to attain nutrients like protein and calcium. They are a great substitute for seafood and animal products in terms of nutrients if you are a vegetarian.
Ingredients for Mixed Lentil Palak Fritters / Vada:
Channa Dal : Soaked Channa dal has to be blended coarsely. Gives a nice texture to the vada.
Moong Dal: rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and also in many minerals including iron, calcium, and potassium. A powerful source of vegetarian protein
Mung Bean: Mung beans are high in nutrients and antioxidants, which has many health benefits.
Black eyed Peas :Black eyed peas contain antioxidants like flavonoids, and rich in fiber too.
Brown Chick Peas :Chickpeas available black in colour are a good mix of antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Palak : Palak is a good source of Iron, Great Source of Insoluble Fiber, Good for Eyes, and Anti Inflammatory.
Salt: I have used Himalayan pink salt. You can use your regular salt.
Green Chilli : I have used mildly Spice green chillies. You can increase or decrease the quantity as per your spice tolerance.
Asafoetida : Imparts a nice flavor to the vada. Good for the stomach too. You can skip this if you want to make it vegan.
Fresh Ginger: Imparts a nice flavor and is good for digestion. Do not skip it.
Red Chilli Flakes: This is completely optional but I like to add.
Jeera / Cumin: Add Cumin to the ground lentil mix. Gives a nice taste to the vada.
Oil: You any neutral oil for deep frying. I have used Sunflower Oil.
Recipe for Mixed Lentil Palak Fritters / Vada:
Author: Preethi Prasad
Prep Time : 10 Mins
Soak Time : 4 Hours
Cook Time : 40 Mins
Total Time : 4 Hours 50 mins
Course : Snack / Starters
Cuisine :Indian
Equipment Used:
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Spatula
Blender
Ingredients for Mixed Lentil Palak Fritters / Vada:
1 Cup Channa Dal
3/4 Cup Moong Dal
1/2 Cup Mung Bean
3/4 Cup Black eyed Peas
1/2 Cup Brown Chick Peas
1 Cup Finely Chopped Palak
Salt to Taste
8 Green Chillies
1/4 Tsp Asafoetida
2 Tbsp finely chopped Fresh Ginger
1/2 Tsp Red Chilli Flakes
1 Tsp Jeera / Cumin
Oil for Frying
Method:
Wash and soak Channa dal , Moong Dal, Green Bean, black eyed peas and brown chickpeas for about 4 Hours.
Grind all the soaked ingredients , green chillies, salt , asafoetida , chilli flakes , jeera ,finely chopped ginger coarsely. Add only 1 Tbsp Water for grinding
Transfer the coarse mixture in a mixing bowl. Add finely chopped palak and mix well.
Heat oil in a frying pan .
Take a spoon of mixture .Flatten the round mixture and smoothen the edges. Then drop them in the hot oil.
Once both the sides are nicely fried and golden brown ,remove them and transfer them on to a plate.
Serve for Lunch , snack or as a starter with some green chutney.
Loved these protein-packed fritters! It’s so awesome that you have added in so many varieties of legumes and lentils. Perfect and delicious snack for rainy, cold weather.
These mixed lentil spinach vada looks crispy crunchy and delicious Preethi. Perfect snack to enjoy the rainy season with all the nutritious ingredients. I will try it soon.
Loved these protein-packed fritters! It’s so awesome that you have added in so many varieties of legumes and lentils. Perfect and delicious snack for rainy, cold weather.
These mixed lentil spinach vada looks crispy crunchy and delicious Preethi. Perfect snack to enjoy the rainy season with all the nutritious ingredients. I will try it soon.
This is such a protein-packed fritter made with different varieties of dal. Perfect snack to enjoy during monsoons