- August 13, 2025
Chana Dal Vada Recipe – Crispy Masala Vada / Parippu Vada
When it comes to Indian snacks, nothing beats the joy of biting into a crispy chana dal vada served hot with chutney and a cup of tea on a rainy evening. Popular across South India as Masala Vada or Parippu Vada, and loved in North India as Chana Dal Pakora, this snack is crunchy outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor.
We’ll cover everything about chana dal vada recipe – from authentic South Indian style to North Indian variations, easy methods for beginners, health-friendly options, serving suggestions, nutrition facts, and even festival uses.
What is Chana Dal Vada?
Chana Dal Vada, also called Masala Vada or Parippu Vada, is a traditional South Indian fritter made from soaked Bengal gram (chana dal), onions, spices, and herbs. It’s a popular street style chana dal vada snack, often sold at tea stalls and restaurants.
In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Masala Vada Recipe (crispy masala vada).
In Kerala, it is famous as Parippu Vada Recipe (Kerala parippu vada).
In Andhra and Telangana, it is a spicy chana dal vada recipe.
In North India, it’s simply enjoyed as chana dal pakora recipe or chana dal ke vade.
Ingredients for Chana Dal Vada
Here’s what you need for this authentic chana dal vada recipe:
Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) – 1 cup (soaked 3-4 hours)
Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped, optional for Jain or no onion version)
Garlic & Ginger – 1 tsp (optional, skip for no onion garlic chana dal vada)
Green Chilies – 2-3 (finely chopped)
Dry Red Chilies – 2
Curry Leaves – 8-10 (finely chopped)
Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp
Fennel Seeds – 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
Salt – as required
Oil – for deep frying (or less oil for healthy versions)
Step-by-Step Chana Dal Vada Recipe
Follow these chana dal vada step by step instructions to make perfect crunchy vadas.
Step 1 – Soak the Dal
Wash 1 cup chana dal thoroughly.
Soak in enough water for 3-4 hours.
Drain well. Keep 2 tbsp soaked dal aside (for texture).
Step 2 – Grind the Batter
Add soaked chana dal, dry red chilies, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, and ginger into a grinder.
Grind coarsely without adding much water. The mixture should not be a fine paste.
Mix in the reserved whole dal, onions, curry leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, and salt.
Step 3 – Shape the Vadas
Wet your hands with water.
Take small lemon-sized portions of the mixture.
Flatten slightly to form round patties.
Step 4 – Fry the Vadas
Heat oil in a deep pan.
Slide the patties into hot oil, fry on medium flame until golden brown and crisp.
Drain on kitchen paper.
And that’s it! Your crispy chana dal vada is ready to serve hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or mint chutney.
Variations of Chana Dal Vada
1. South Indian Chana Dal Vada / Masala Vada
Made with curry leaves, fennel seeds, and onions – this is the authentic chana dal vada south indian style served in restaurants and tea stalls.
2. Kerala Parippu Vada Recipe
Crunchy parippu vada is a traditional masala vada version made without garlic, often enjoyed with coconut chutney and tea.
3. North Indian Style Chana Dal Pakora
In the north, it’s often spiced differently, sometimes served as chana dal cutlet recipe with chutney or ketchup.
4. Healthy Chana Dal Vada Recipe
For a lighter version, try chana dal vada without deep frying. You can air fry or bake them with very little oil.
5. No Onion Garlic Chana Dal Vada
Perfect for festivals and Jain households – just skip onions and garlic.
6. Festival Special Chana Dal Vada
During Diwali, Navratri, or Ganesh Chaturthi, many homes make festival special chana dal vada as an offering.
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Tips for Best Crispy Masala Vada
Do not over-grind the dal; keep it coarse for crunchiness.
Fry on medium heat – too hot oil will burn the outside but leave inside raw.
Adding curry leaves and fennel seeds enhances aroma.
For quick chana dal vada recipe, soak dal in hot water for 1.5 hours instead of 3-4 hours.
Serve immediately for the best crunchy chana dal vada experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup.
Pair with hot tea or coffee for a perfect evening snack.
In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it’s enjoyed with coconut chutney and sambar.
As a monsoon special chana dal vada, pair with masala chai and watch the rain!
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Vada approx.)
Calories: 110 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbs: 12 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 3 g
It’s a protein-rich chana dal vada thanks to Bengal gram, making it a wholesome snack.
Why You’ll Love This Chana Dal Snack Recipe
✔ Crispy & Tasty – perfect for tea time.
✔ Protein Rich – chana dal gives energy.
✔ Customizable – make it spicy, mild, or festival-friendly.
✔ Authentic & Traditional – passed down through generations.
✔ Perfect Monsoon Snack – nothing like hot vadas in rainy weather.
FAQs about Chana Dal Vada
Q1. Can I make chana dal vada without onion and garlic?
👉 Yes, just skip onions and garlic for no onion garlic chana dal vada.
Q2. Can I air fry chana dal vada?
👉 Absolutely! For a chana dal vada low oil recipe, air fry at 180°C for 15–18 minutes.
Q3. What’s the difference between Masala Vada and Parippu Vada?
👉 Both are crispy masala vada varieties – Masala Vada is Tamil Nadu style, while Parippu Vada is Kerala style.
Q4. Can I make this ahead of time?
👉 The batter can be made and stored in the fridge for 1 day. Fry fresh for best results.
Q5. What is the best chutney for chana dal vada?
👉 Coconut chutney and mint chutney are the most authentic pairings.
Interesting Facts
The Chana Dal Vada Recipe is one of the most loved snacks across India – be it crispy masala vada recipe from Tamil Nadu, Kerala parippu vada recipe, or North Indian chana dal ke vade. With its crunchy texture, spicy flavor, and wholesome protein content, it makes for the ultimate monsoon special chana dal vada or tea time snack.
Whether you want a healthy chana dal vada recipe in the air fryer, a festival special chana dal vada without onion and garlic, or a street style chana dal vada with coconut chutney – this traditional snack will never disappoint.
So next time it rains, skip the store-bought snacks and make your own authentic chana dal vada at home. Serve it hot, enjoy the crunch, and create happy food memories!
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