If you’re looking to add more nutritious grains to your diet, millet is a fantastic choice. Not only is it rich in fiber and essential minerals, but it’s also incredibly versatile. One delicious way to enjoy millet is by making Millet Masala Vada, a healthy twist on the traditional South Indian snack. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these vadas are perfect for a tea-time snack or as an appetizer. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed millet (foxtail millet, barnyard millet, or any available millet)
• ½ cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 curry leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Millet and Dal:

• Wash the mixed millet thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Wash the chana dal and soak it separately for 2-3 hours.

2. Grind the Millet and Dal:

• Drain the soaked millet and chana dal.
• In a food processor or blender, grind the millet and chana dal to a coarse paste. Do not add too much water; the mixture should be thick and grainy.

3. Prepare the Vada Mixture:

• Transfer the ground mixture to a large mixing bowl.
• Add finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, asafoetida, chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves, and salt.
• Mix everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

4. Shape the Vadas:

• Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a small, flat round patty or vada.
• Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.

5. Fry the Vadas:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, gently slide in the shaped vadas, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan.
• Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the vadas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. Serve:

• Serve the Millet Masala Vadas hot with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup.
• Enjoy them as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips:

• Ensure the mixture is thick and not too watery to help the vadas hold their shape.
• You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to the mixture for added nutrition.
• Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.

Conclusion:

Millet Masala Vada is a fantastic way to incorporate the goodness of millet into your diet while enjoying a traditional Indian snack. Crispy, flavorful, and nutritious, these vadas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe and let us know how you like it!