How do you get the characteristic hole in the center of a Medu Vada without the batter sticking to your fingers?

Question

How do you get the characteristic hole in the center of a Medu Vada? Learn the traditional finger technique without the batter sticking.

Answer 1

Wet your fingers thoroughly with water before shaping the Medu Vada. This prevents the batter from sticking and allows you to create a clean hole in the center.

Detailed Explanation:

Making Medu Vada with a perfect hole requires a bit of technique. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Batter: Ensure your urad dal batter is well-ground and fluffy. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry.

2. Wet Your Hands: This is the most crucial step. Before you even touch the batter, thoroughly wet your fingers and palm with cold water. Keep a bowl of water nearby to re-wet your hands as needed.

3. Take a Portion: Scoop a small portion of the batter onto your wet palm.

4. Shape the Vada: Gently flatten the batter into a round shape, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

5. Make the Hole: Use your wet thumb or index finger to create a hole in the center of the vada. Rotate the vada gently as you press to ensure a clean, even hole.

6. Release into Oil: Carefully slide the shaped vada off your hand and into hot oil. Be gentle to avoid splashing.

By keeping your hands consistently wet, the batter will not stick, and you can easily shape the vada with a perfect hole.

Pro Tip:

If you're still struggling with shaping, try using a small piece of banana leaf or plastic sheet. Place the batter on the wet leaf/sheet, shape it, and then gently flip it into the hot oil. This provides extra support and prevents sticking.