South India is known for its delightful cuisines from Crispy dosas to idlis every food becomes comfort food for anyone. After Idlis and dosas there comes piping hot, crunchy and deep fried Vadas that make their mark worldwide. In terms of popularity mendu vada still reigns supreme but there are different variations of vadas which still have that hidden gem of the taste. Onion pakora which is a very popular dish but with slight variation in that Onion pakora there is Onion vada or Ulli Vada.

What is Kerala Style Onion Vada?

Imagine this, you are in State of Kerala and you are roaming around the countryside trying to think about your life and suddenly rain starts and you just run to a nearby tea stall. You are hungry and the man in the tea stall serves you with piping hot vadas which are shaped kind of like tikki and seem bigger than normal pakodas which have soft texture inside and crunchy on outside served with chutney or sauce with masala tea.

This story of mine might have increased your appetite but this snack is just meant to be eaten like this. Traditionally, there are several ways to make pakoda but the most common way is with gram flour with spice mix powder served as stuffing between Pav. Another way is to make round balls served with a range of sauce or dipped in any sauce.

Onion vada is a variant of onion pakoda with a unique texture and crispiness. With the soft core inside and crunchy layering outside this is a perfect evening snack to serve with tea. It is made by combining gram flour, rice flour and shaped like tikki.

Step by Step recipe and ingredients for Onion Vada

Ingredients

• Onions
• Gram flour
• Refined flour
• Rice flour
• Green Chilli
• Curry leaves
• Coriander Leaves
• Ginger
• Red chilli powder
• Salt
• Oil
• Turmeric
• Fennel seeds (optional)

Recipe

• Slice the onions or chop them in a chopper but for this recipe it would be preferred to have sliced onion rather than chopped one and cut green chilli as well.
• In a mixing bowl add sliced onion, green chilli, curry leaves, coriander leaves, salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder, baking soda and fennel seeds (optional) and mix them well with your clean hands.
• The mixing must be proper. One indication of proper mixing is that moisture or water start to come out of the onion. When properly mixed leave this mixture aside for 5 Minutes.
• Add gram flour and rice flour and mix them well. This batter may not need any water because the moisture from the onion is more than enough, but if your onions have less moisture, then  you can add very little water. Just a few drops or 1 teaspoon would be enough.
• Mixture must feel thick if it feels a little bit more stuffed then you can add some gram flour and mix well.  Add 1 tablespoon of oil, mix well and leave it aside for 5 minutes.
• Make small balls or large balls depending on your choice with your own hands. Fry these balls on a medium flame in oil for around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Once golden brown in color, put them out from the frying pan and place them on a paper towel and then serve them with your favourite tea or chutney.

Tips: Avoid overcrowding in the frying pan otherwise there will be no proper heat dissipation and Vada will not cook properly. Use rice flour in not too much quantity because rice flour gives crunchiness to outer fried area or Vada.

Why Onion Vada is perfect for midday cravings

Onion vadas are perfect for mid day cravings because the preparation time is not too much, around 20 to 30 minutes. Onion vadas can be prepared and served with your favourite masala tea. Personally, I prefer masala tea with onion vadas. If you want you can savor it with your favourite chutney. Situations where unexpected guests come, children demand something different in snacks, to satisfy the craving for deep fried snacks in monsoon evening or any other occasion with your family. Onion vada is perfect for all these occasions and many more. Its texture and taste differs from your common onion pakoda. This vada is crunchy from outside and very soft and tasty from inside.

Cultural Significance of Onion Vada

Onion Vada or Ulli Vada have a special place in Kerala’s heritage. This flavorful snack is more than just a snack and it is a symbol of warmth and community. From the tea stalls of Kerala to festivals like Onam Onion Vada is a thread which connects people and their conversation. With evening tea locals get a chance to relax and socialize. This snack is a rustic symbol of tradition of Kerala that with some simple ingredients people have created a snack which helps in creating memorable experiences.

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Sources: NDTV Food and Hebbars Kitchen