About:

Traditionally dahi vadas are deep fried dumplings soaked in yogurt but for the healthier option choose baking , this can be served as a snack or chaat.

These are baked lentil dumplings dipped in yogurt and topped with spices. To make it low in calorie I have baked vadas instead of deep fry; Also used yellow moong dal instead of urad dal, which is packed with calcium and proteins. (Though I bake many dishes but to bake vadas the confidence came only after checking post from Vidya @ Traditionally Modern Food).

This appetizer can be served with dates -tamarind chutney or mint chutney.

Makes: 4-5servings
Preparation time: 15mins
Baking time: 30mins

Ingredients:

• Yellow moong dal-1/3cup
• Split chickpeas/chana dal-2tbsp
• Green chilli-2num
• Ginger-1/2inch
• Salt- as per tatse
• Fruit salt-2tsp
• Carom seeds/ajwain-1tsp

For masala dahi/yogurt:

• Low fat yogurt-11/2-2cups
• Salt- as per taste
• Chilli powder-1/2tsp
• Chat masala-1/2tsp
• Roasted cumin powder-1tsp
• Honey-1tsp
• Garnishing:
• Chopped coriander- a handful

Procedure:

For vadas:

• Wash and Soak moong dal over night, drain thoroughly.
• Combine moong dal, ginger, green chillies and blend in a mixer to a coarse paste adding 1-2tbsp of water if required.
• Transfer the batter to a bowl; add baking soda, Ajwain. Salt and mix well
• Pre-heat the oven at 200 deg c , grease lightly muffin trays and set aside.
• Pour a ladle full of batter to each and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the toothpick inserted comes out clear by turning half way. (mini muffin tray will do if its big one then just fill half way)

For masala yogurt/dahi:

• In a bowl beat yogurt, chilli powder, cumin powder, chat masala, salt, honey with few table spoon of water if required.
• Drop the baked vadas in the yogurt.
• Garnish with chopped coriander and serve immediately or it can be served chilled as well.

Note:

• You can deep fry if you don’t wish to bake.
• If you have green chutney, tamarind chutney handy go ahead and add it.
• You can use urad dal instead of moong and follow the same procedure.