Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) Complete Recipe + Ingredients List

What is Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters)? – An introduction

Gearing up for a traditional Indian snack with a slight twist? When we think of comfort food, we often conjail up images of warm, home-cooked meals that the heart and soul find delight in. Meet the Alasanda Vada, a southern delight that not only packs a punch with its flavors but also brings a homey nostalgia to your taste buds. Renowned for its crispy exterior and soft interior, this snack has been winning hearts for generations. But wait, there’s more! I’m here to guide you through some simple steps to make this delicacy healthier without compromising on its authentic taste. Whether for a festive occasion or just a craving for something savory, let’s dive straight into the craft of making these delectable vadas, shall we?

Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) Ingredients List

• 1 cup black eyed peas ((alasandalu))
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 1½ tablespoon rice flour ( (optional
• refer notes))
• 1½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste ((½ inch peeled ginger
• 3 garlic cloves))
• 2 green chilies ((chopped))
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ cup coriander leaves (fine chopped )
• ¼ cup onions (
• fine chopped)
• ½ to ¾ cup Oil ( for deep frying or to brush for air frying)
• ⅓ to ½ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))

Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) Recipe

• Begin by meticulously washing and immersing alasandalu (black-eyed peas) in water for 4 hours. After soaking, rinse and drain completely.
• Combine the soaked alasandalu in a grinder jar with salt and ginger-garlic. Pulse to create a coarse paste, adding a minimal amount of water if necessary. To test the batter’s consistency, attempt to form a vada; if it fails to bind, process a small portion of the batter into a smooth paste and mix thoroughly with the remaining batter.
• Ensure all the lentils are crushed to prevent splattering during frying.
• Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl. Now, integrate finely chopped onions, freshly chopped coriander leaves, rice flour (this is optional), sliced green chilies, and cumin seeds into the mix. Combine all ingredients and do a taste test. Adjust the salt as needed.
• Heat The OG oil in a deep pan over a medium flame.
• Lightly oil cling film, a plastic sheet, or parchment paper. This is also where you can shape them directly with oiled palms – whichever floats your boat.
• Carve out small portions of the batter, lay them on your chosen greasy surface, and tenderly flatten them into thick, round patties.
• Run a trial by gently dropping a miniature piece into the oil to ensure it’s rightly heated. If the snippet dances to the surface without browning too quickly, you’re golden.
• Carefully introduce the vadas into the oil, letting them be for the first three minutes. Keep an eye out for overcrowding; fry just enough to comfort within your kadai.
• After the initial fry, turn the vadas and continue until they reach a glorious golden crispness. Cool them on a rack post-fry. Before introducing a new batch, ensure the oil’s temperature is consistently hot.
• For a different approach, place the prepared vadas in an air fryer basket or rack, and set for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
• Turn them over and continue air frying for another 6-7 minutes, adjusting the time as necessary. Keep a vigilant watch to avoid over-frying and potentially hard vadas. Post-frying, brush them with a touch of The OG oil or ghee for a glistening finish.

Healthier Version of Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) Recipe

• To lower the calorie count, consider using an air fryer rather than the traditional deep-frying method. This drastically cuts down oil usage.
• Swap out regular salt for a pinch of Himalayan pink salt for added minerals.
• You can replace rice flour with ground oats or almond flour for a fiber-rich alternative.
• Reduce the salt by half if you’re watching your sodium intake and enhance flavor with extra herbs and spices like cilantro and pepper.

Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) Recipe Nutritional Facts

Alasanda Vada (Black Eyed Pea Fritters) is a South Indian dish with a calorie count of 286 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 18 g carbohydrates, 36 g proteins, 7 g fats, 223 mg sodium and 2 g sugar!

A round of applause for your culinary prowess! The Alasanda Vada doesn’t just stop at satiating your snack cravings; it’s a versatile player that fits perfectly into any meal setting – be it a stand-alone snack, an entrée, or even as a sidekick to your main dishes. Remember, every bite tells a story of tradition, all the while allowing room for a modern, healthier twist. Your perseverance in the kitchen is sure to reap crispy, delicious rewards that your friends and family will relish. So, go ahead and flaunt your newly acquired skill — your healthier, yet authentically flavorful Alasanda Vadas are ready to take center stage at your next gathering!