All Recipes
Chef Priya
Priya's Kitchen Notes

Easy recipes, bold spices, and stories from my family kitchen.

Starter Guide To Indian Flavor

Fried Savory Lentil Donuts

Medu Vada

(43 reviews)
"

Medu Vada is a breakfast I grew up eating, always accompanied by the comforting flavors of coconut chutney. It's a family weekend tradition that captures the essence of South Indian flavors in every bite.

"
Fried Savory Lentil Donuts
Prep time:15 mins
Cook time:20 mins
Total time:35 mins

Protein

8g

Carbs

28g

Fat

12g

Calories

250 kcal

Servings:
4
VegetarianGluten Free

Ingredients

urad dal1 cup
(soaked for 4 hours)
green chilies2
(finely chopped)
ginger1 tsp
(grated)
yellow onion1 small
(finely chopped)
curry leaves8-10 leaves
(torn)
black pepper0.50 tsp
(crushed)
salt1 tsp
(or to taste)
rice flour2 tbsp
(for crispiness)
oilfor deep frying

Spices

asafoetidapinch

Directions

Prepare the Batter

  1. Drain soaked urad dal and add to a blender. Blend to a smooth, thick batter using minimal water.
  2. Transfer the batter to a bowl and beat it for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. This aerates the batter for lighter vadas.
  3. Mix in green chilies, ginger, onion, curry leaves, black pepper, salt, asafoetida, and rice flour. Stir until well combined.
Chef's tip: The batter should be thick and not runny, to shape the donuts easily.

Shape and Fry the Vadas

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Test with a small drop of batter; it should rise to the surface gradually.
  2. Wet your hands, take a small portion of the batter, and shape into a donut by making a hole in the center with your thumb.
  3. Gently slide the shaped vada into the hot oil. Repeat with remaining batter, frying in batches.
  4. Fry vadas until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Chef's tip: Keep the oil at a consistent medium temperature to ensure the vadas cook evenly.

Serve

  1. Serve the hot vadas with coconut chutney and sambar for a delightful South Indian experience.
Chef's tip: Enjoy with a steaming cup of filter coffee for an authentic breakfast.

How did you like this recipe?

Click to rate

Collection of Indian Spice Blends

My Go-To Spice Blends

These are the five homemade spice blends I reach for again and again. Check out my free list of cherished family recipes that will bring bold, authentic flavor to your cooking.

More Indian Flavor

South Indian Crispy Crepes

South Indian Crispy Crepes

Dosa

Golden, crispy South Indian dosas, thin and slightly tangy, perfect for breakfast or as a light meal when paired with chutney or sambar.

17 hrs 15 mins
BreakfastSouth Indian
Spiced Vegetable Upma

Spiced Vegetable Upma

Upma

A savory South Indian breakfast made from roasted semolina and colorful vegetables.

35 mins
BreakfastSouth Indian
Savory Moong Dal Pancakes

Savory Moong Dal Pancakes

Pesarattu

Crisp and golden on the outside with a tender, flavorful center, these savory Moong Dal Pancakes make for a delightful breakfast or snack, loaded with protein and spices.

30 mins
BreakfastSouth Indian

Behind the Recipe

Chef Priya in her kitchen

Hi! I'm Priya. I grew up in Delhi in a tiny kitchen filled with noise, spices, and stories. I learned to cook the way most of us do—by watching, tasting, and eventually doing. My mother never measured anything, but somehow every dish was perfect.

After I moved to the U.S., I found myself cooking the same dishes to feel close to home. Friends would ask for recipes, and I realized how unfamiliar Indian cooking still felt to many people here. That's what led me to start sharing—not just the food, but the how and why behind each step.

These recipes are rooted in tradition but shaped by life abroad. I try to keep things practical without losing what makes them special. If you've ever wanted to bring more Indian flavor into your kitchen, I hope this is a good place to start.