Isso Vadai (Prawn Fritters)
Spicy and savory fritters made with lentils, onions, chili, and small prawns (isso), deep-fried to a golden crisp. A popular street food and snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Chana dal (split chickpeas)(soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 100 g Small prawns (isso)(peeled and deveined, roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 Green chilies(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- Salt(to taste)
- Oil for deep frying
- Optional garnish:
- Onion rings
- Chili slices
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked chana dal thoroughly. Grind it into a coarse paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Do not make it too fine; a little texture is good.
💡 Tip: Avoid adding water while grinding. If necessary, add a tablespoon at a time. - 2
Transfer the ground dal to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped prawns, finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, fennel seeds, turmeric powder, and salt.
- 3
Mix all the ingredients well until combined. The mixture should be thick enough to form patties.
💡 Tip: If the mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon of rice flour or chickpea flour to bind. - 4
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat for deep frying.
- 5
Wet your hands slightly and take small portions of the mixture. Flatten them into small, thick patties or discs.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the patties are not too thick will help them cook through evenly. - 6
Carefully slide the patties into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
💡 Tip: Maintain medium-high heat to ensure the fritters cook through without burning. - 7
Remove the fried isso vadai with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with onion rings and chili slices if desired. They are often served with a side of spicy chutney or a simple tomato ketchup.
💡 Tip: Best enjoyed fresh and hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the dal is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- ✓Chop the ingredients finely to ensure they bind well with the dal paste.
- ✓Do not overheat the oil, as it can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
🔄 Variations
- Omit the prawns for a vegetarian version (Vadai).
- Add finely chopped coriander leaves for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a different aromatic note.