My Medu Vadas are absorbing too much oil. Is the batter too loose or is the oil temperature incorrect?

Question

Are your Medu Vadas absorbing too much oil? Troubleshoot if your batter is too loose or if the frying oil temperature is incorrect.

Answer 1

Your Medu Vadas are likely absorbing too much oil because the batter is too loose, the oil temperature is too low, or both. A loose batter has more surface area exposed to the oil, and low oil temperature prevents proper crisping, leading to increased oil absorption.

Detailed Explanation:

Several factors contribute to Medu Vadas absorbing excessive oil. Let's break them down:

1. Batter Consistency: A batter that is too thin or loose has a larger surface area when dropped into the oil. This increased surface area allows for more oil to be absorbed. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped but still be soft and airy. If your batter is too loose, try adding a tablespoon or two of rice flour or semolina (rava) to absorb excess moisture. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes after adding the flour to allow it to fully absorb the moisture.
2. Oil Temperature: The ideal oil temperature for frying Medu Vadas is between 175°C to 190°C (350°F to 375°F). If the oil is not hot enough, the Vadas will absorb oil instead of frying properly. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. It should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface within a few seconds.
3. Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many Vadas at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to increased oil absorption. Fry in batches, ensuring there's enough space between each Vada.
4. Frying Time: If the Vadas are not fried long enough, they will not be properly cooked and will absorb more oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Pro Tip:

To prevent oil absorption, add a pinch of baking soda to the batter. This creates air pockets, resulting in lighter and less oily Vadas. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the taste.