• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Indian Cooking 101
  • Recipes
  • Media
  • Work with Me

Hooked on Heat logo

YOU ARE HERE: HOME » Recipes: Vegetarian » Dahi Vadas (Dahi Bhalla): Fried Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce

June 30, 2020

Dahi Vadas (Dahi Bhalla): Fried Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This recipe for Dahi Vadas, also popularly known as Dahi Bhalla, was created in partnership with  Hamilton Beach Canada, as one of their brand ambassadors. All opinions, as always, are my own. I only write about and recommend products I use and love myself.

I clearly remember the very first Diwali party Hubby Dear and I threw together as a married couple. We had invited a bunch of our closest friends – about ten in total and ordered them to dress up in their finest traditional Indian outfits. We spent hours decorating our apartment with lights and flowers. And true to my nature, I pondered over tons of recipes, including this Dahi Vada recipe, for days on end deciding on the perfect menu.

I wanted to serve a traditional festive feast, making sure that I had most of the regular favourites – a variety of Chaats, Samosas, Chole-Bhature and of course, a large platter of Dahi Vadas, also popularly known as Dahi Bhalla.

Recipe for Dahi Vadas (Dahi Bhalla) taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

Growing up, we usually always had Dahi Bhalla as one of the dishes on our Diwali menu – even if we weren’t entertaining and it was just us at home. Dahi Vada or Dahi Bhalla, for those who don’t know, is sort of a snacky dish of fried lentil dumplings topped with cool creamy yogurt, a dollop of tangy tamarind chutney, and a sprinkle of mixed spices. It’s an absolute delight to the senses and a party in your mouth – which is why I usually associate it to be perfect to serve at any festive or celebratory gatherings. It was no surprise then, that I wanted it to take center stage on my dining table at our Diwali party. Except, the cook that I was then was so much different than the cook I am now.


The me at that time had little experience cooking fancy meals. But what I did have to my advantage, however, was a strong idea of how to ‘just wing it’ in the kitchen. We had just gotten married a couple of months prior, and I was still finding my way around many aisles at the grocery store – this was years before I started this blog. Although I managed to cook pretty decent meals for us on a regular basis, it was one of the first few times where I would be cooking for a crowd.

The dumplings in Dahi Vadas are actually supposed to just melt in your mouth, and grinding them into a thick batter with very little water is what does the trick.

I remember how proud I was of the Dahi Vadas I had served that day – even though it completely broke my blender while trying to make a smooth fine batter for the dumplings! I vaguely remember dragging Hubby Dear to the store right before closing time just so we could pick up a new, slightly stronger blender – only to have it give up on me a few months later. Oh well, you learn something new every day!

When the kind people at Hamilton Beach Canada told me they were sending me the new Professional Juicer/Mixer/Grinder to test out, I just knew that Dahi Vadas HAD to be the first recipe that I would try. I have ruined way too many blenders in the past trying to grind the pre-soaked lentils to a smooth fine paste by adding as little water as possible. But now, I can’t wait to make this again for Diwali this year. Then again, with this powerful device at my fingertips I don’t really need to wait for Diwali now, do I?

Here’s wishing all my readers a Very Happy and Prosperous Diwali! For more special Diwali recipes, please click here.

Recipe for Dahi Vadas (Dahi Bhalla) taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.
Print Recipe

Dahi Vadas (Dahi Bhalla): Fried Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4
Author: Meena, www.hookedonheat.com

Ingredients

  • 3 cups plain yogurt
  • 1 cup water
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup tamarind chutney store-bought will work fine
  • 1 tbsp garam masala powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp chaat masala powder
  • finely chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Vadas (Lentil Dumplings)

  • 1 cup urad dal (huskless split black lentils) soaked overnight
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Mix yogurt and water really well till smooth. Season with salt and set aside.

For the Vadas (Lentil Dumplings)

  • Drain and rinse the soaked lentils well. Grind them with two tablespoons of water to form a really thick and smooth batter.
  • Add in the grated ginger and salt, and mix well.
  • Heat oil in a deep pan, and slowly add in about a tablespoon of the batter into the hot oil and deep fry till golden brown and crisp. Try not to overcrowd the pan and only fry a few at a time.
  • Drain the fried dumplings onto paper towels to soak any excess oil, and then add them into the yogurt sauce. Let them soak in the yogurt sauce for a few minutes.

To assemble the Dahi Vadas

  • For each individual serving, add 4-6 of the dumplings soaking in yogurt into a bowl and top with some more of the yogurt sauce.
  • Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of the tamarind chutney, as well as a heavy pinch of each of the spices. You can easily adjust the amounts according to your preference.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe was made in the Hamilton Beach Professional Juicer/Mixer/Grinder.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you will surely love my Alu Dahi Puri and Papdi Chaat recipes as well.

Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat

Related Posts:

  • Dahi Bhindi: Okra cooked with Yogurt
    Dahi Bhindi: Okra cooked with Yogurt
  • Indian Street Food: Alu Dahi Puri Chaat
    Indian Street Food: Alu Dahi Puri Chaat
  • Fried Tofu & Peanut Sauce
    Fried Tofu & Peanut Sauce
  • Peanut Sauce Noodles
    Peanut Sauce Noodles

Filed Under: 30-Minutes or Less!, Diwali Recipes, Popular Recipes, Recipes: Vegetarian

Previous Post: « Thai Curry Noodle Soup with Tofu & Veggies
Next Post: Baingan Bharta: Indian-style Roast Eggplant Dip »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hiral says

    July 2, 2020 at

    5 stars
    I really love how easy you make Indian cooking seem even for a newbie like me and how you make complex recipes seem manageable! I also love the colourful photos of all the tasty recipes!

    I remember eating Dahi Vadas a couple of years ago at my aunt’s place when we visited her in India. I tried your recipe yesterday and it tasted exactly as I remembered – so delish! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

LET’S CONNECT

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get to know me

I would love to show you how simple, delicious and quick family-friendly meals can be created in a heart beat. Read more about me here ...

Never miss a recipe!

Share your email address to be notified of new posts and tons of delicious inspiration!

* indicates required

New to Indian Cooking?

Looking for something?

Some of my Clients

Need Inspiration?

Need More Dinner Ideas? Try these!

Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Alu Chana
Alu Chana
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry

hookedonheat

Meena | Indian-inspired Food
I love making a one-pot meal that combines my prot I love making a one-pot meal that combines my protein, grains and veggies on busy weeknights. This Keema Matar Pulao recipe is what I often fall back on when I need a quick, nutritious and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it with some Raita or a Salad on the side. Recipe linked in profile. @ontariovealappeal #sponsored #vealathome #ontarioveal #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #keemapulao
Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit wi Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit with everyone that you can make at the drop of a hat? These Spinach and Cheese Croissants are super easy and quick, and hardly requires any work at all! Head to the post for some fun ideas on how you can make this New Year’s Eve extra special for you family! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #sponsored #hellofresh #spinachcroissants
It’s mid-week... which just means that the energ It’s mid-week... which just means that the energy levels for most of us are slowly dying out. It’s also snowing outside, which means that a warm comfort meal ranks high on the wishlist! My simple solution – a one-pot meal like this Instant Pot Tomato Rice warming enough to drive away those heebee-jeebees! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #pantrycooking #instantpotrecipes #tomatorice #ricerecipes
This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick and hearty weeknight meal... perfect to drive away the Monday blues. And it hits the spot every time! Dahiwali Chicken Curry, recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #chickencurry
Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya to make your Diwali even sweeter this year. A very happy Diwali from us to you all! 😃
Here's wishing each and every one of you a very ha Here's wishing each and every one of you a very happy Diwali! :)

This Paneer Biryani recipe is perfect for your family meal this Diwali. The recipe does require a bit of prep work in advance, but it can all be done simultaneously and I promise you, that little extra effort is well worth it in the end. Trust me! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #paneerrecipes #biryani
One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali thi One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali this year was Masala Mathri – crisp fried spicy cookies. They’re absolutely addicting and no one can really stop at one! These lovely treats can be stored in an air-tight container for about 2-3 weeks. That is if you resist them that long! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #mathri
Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them almost every weekend. They’re also a crowd pleaser and a must-have on my Diwali menu. If you’d like to try your hand at making them, then I have a few simple and really tasty recipes on the blog. It was an absolute treat to have these with my coffee over the weekend! Mint-Potato Samosas, #recipe linked in profile. What’s on your Diwali menu this year? #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #samosas
Isn’t it the perfect morning for some lip-smacki Isn’t it the perfect morning for some lip-smacking Chole-Bhature? This recipe for my Instant Pot Chole (Chickpeas Curry), is one that I often serve at my dinner parties. It's quick, simple enough to put together in a matter of minutes and absolutely delicious. Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #cholebhature #chole #chickpeacurry
Follow ME on Instagram

ALL CONTENT INCLUDING IMAGES © 2020 · HOOKED ON HEAT by MEENA AGARWAL.