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A beloved Mangalorean delicacy, Ambade Vada are crispy, savory fritters with a delightful tangy kick from hog plums (ambade). These golden-brown vadas boast a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior, making them an irresistible tea-time snack, especially when paired with fresh coconut chutney.
For 4 servings
Soak the Dals
Grind the Batter
Prepare the Vada Mixture
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A beloved Mangalorean delicacy, Ambade Vada are crispy, savory fritters with a delightful tangy kick from hog plums (ambade). These golden-brown vadas boast a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior, making them an irresistible tea-time snack, especially when paired with fresh coconut chutney.
This south_indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 430.06 calories per serving with 18.19g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Deep Fry the Vadas
Serve
For a different flavor profile, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion to the batter along with the other ingredients. This adds a slight sweetness and crunch.
For a lower-oil version, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Brush the vadas lightly with oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different from deep-fried vadas.
If hog plums are unavailable, you can make a plain masala vada by omitting them and adding 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (saunf) and a pinch of garam masala for a different aromatic flavor.
The combination of urad dal and chana dal provides a significant amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
This dish is a good source of minerals like iron, magnesium, and folate from the dals, which are vital for energy production, bone health, and preventing anemia.
Hog plums, known as Ambade in the Konkan region, are small, green, tart fruits. They have a unique sour and slightly astringent taste that gives this vada its characteristic tangy flavor.
Oily vadas are usually caused by two things: a thin, watery batter, or frying in oil that is not hot enough. Ensure your batter is very thick and the oil is at a consistent medium temperature.
Yes, you can grind the dals and store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, add the salt, vegetables, and other flavorings just before you are ready to fry for the best results.
Ambade Vada is a source of plant-based protein and fiber from the lentils. However, since it is deep-fried, it is high in calories and fat. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat or snack.
One serving of Ambade Vada (approximately 4 pieces) contains around 380-420 calories, primarily from the lentils and the oil absorbed during frying.