Main Ingredients:

Dal Beans (Chana Dal or Dried Horse Beans):

Dal beans are the main ingredient in making vadai, especially for Masala Vadai. Dal beans are first soaked until soft before being ground or roughly crushed.

Shallot:

Shallots are finely chopped and mixed into the mixture to give it a sweet taste and delicious aroma.

Green Chili or Dry Chili:

Green chillies or dry chillies are used to give spiciness in vadai. The quantity can be adjusted according to the desired level of spiciness.

Curry Leaves:

Finely chopped fresh curry leaves are added to give a special fragrant aroma common in South Indian cuisine.

Ginger:

Finely chopped or pounded fresh ginger is used to give a mild spicy and fragrant taste.

Coriander (Leaves and Coriander Seeds):

Coarsely pounded coriander seeds and fresh coriander leaves are added to the mixture to enhance the taste and aroma of the vadai.

Salt:

Salt is added to taste to balance the taste of the vadai batter.

Additional Ingredients (Optional):

Garlic:

Some recipes add garlic to add flavor.

Sweet Cumin or White Cumin:

This cumin spice can be added to give a more spicy and aromatic taste to the vadai.

Dried Shrimp or Anchovies (Optional):

For a more local version, some people add dried shrimp or anchovies to give it a crunchy texture and extra saltiness.

Rice Flour (Optional):

A little rice flour can be added to the batter to make the vadai more crispy after frying.

Cooking Oil:

Cooking oil is used in sufficient quantity to fry the vadai until it is crispy and golden in color.

Here are the simple steps to prepare Masala Vadai 

Soak Dal Beans:

Soak dal (chana dal) for 2-3 hours until soft.

Grind Dal Beans:

Drain the soaked dal and grind coarsely (not too finely) using a blender. Leave some peanut texture for a crunchier vadai.

Prepare the Mixing Ingredients:

Finely chop shallots, green chilies, curry leaves, ginger, and coriander leaves. Coarsely pound coriander or cumin seeds if using.

Mix the batter:

Mix ground dal beans with the chopped ingredients. Add salt and spices (such as cumin or coriander seeds) to taste. Mix well until it becomes a smooth mixture.

Form of Vadai:

Take a small amount of the dough and form it into a ball, then flatten it a little to form a round vadai.

Fried Vadai:

Heat oil in a pan. Fry the vadai in hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside.

Drain the Oil:

Remove the fried vadai and drain the excess oil using a kitchen tissue.

Ready to Serve:

Serve the vadai with sauce or chutney, or eat it alone as a snack.