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Dahi vada facts for kids

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Dahi vada
Dahi Vadas (Dhai Bhalla).JPG
Dahi vada
Type Chaat
Place of origin India
Region or state Indian subcontinent
Main ingredients Vada, dahi (yogurt)
Variations Rajasthani Dahi Bada, Bengali Doi Bora, Delhi Dahi Bhalla, Odia dahi bara, Dahi Baray, Dahi Bhallay, Dahi Pallay

Dahi vada is a yummy snack from India, especially popular across South Asia. It's made by soaking soft, fried lentil balls called vadas in creamy, thick yogurt (also known as dahi). It's a type of chaat, which means it's a savory street food often enjoyed as a quick bite.

What's in a Name?

This tasty snack has many different names depending on where you are! For example, people call it "dahi vade" in Marathi, "dahi barey" in Urdu, "thayir vadai" in Tamil, and "doi bora" in Bengali. No matter the name, it's always delicious!

A Taste of History

Dahi vada or dahi bhalla
Dahi vada is a popular street food.

Dahi vada has a really long history! A recipe for a dish similar to dahi vada was written down way back in the 12th century. It was found in an old book called Manasollasa. This book was like an encyclopedia from ancient India. People have been enjoying dahi vada for hundreds of years! Today, it's still a favorite snack, especially during festivals like Holi.

How Dahi Vada is Made

Making dahi vada is a fun process!

Preparing the Vadas

First, special lentils called urad lentils are soaked in water overnight. This makes them soft. Then, they are ground into a smooth batter. This batter is shaped into small balls or flat discs. These lentil balls, called vadas, are then cooked in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. This is called deep-frying.

Soaking in Yogurt

After frying, the hot vadas are often dipped in water for a short time. Then, they are moved into a bowl of thick, creamy yogurt. The vadas soak in the yogurt for a while. This makes them super soft and juicy, soaking up all the tangy flavor of the yogurt.

Adding the Toppings

Once the vadas are soaked, it's time for the yummy toppings! People often sprinkle them with fresh coriander or mint leaves. Other popular toppings include chilli powder, crushed black pepper, and a special spice mix called chaat masala. Some people also add cumin, shredded coconut, or green chilies. For a sweeter taste, especially in places like Maharashtra and Gujarat, people might use sweeter yogurt. A mix of tangy tamarind chutney and fresh coriander chutney is also a common and delicious topping.

Where to Find Dahi Vada

Dahi vada is a very popular street food across India. You can find it in many big cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. It's also a favorite snack in Pakistan, especially in cities and regions like Punjab. It's a must-try if you visit these places!

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Dahi vada para niños

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