'Parippu Vada' also called 'Dal Vada' which translates to Lentil fritters in English is a popular south Indian snack and appetizer. For those who have never had it before, it is similar to 'falafel' but with a little different texture and a little more spice and flavor.
How to make Parippu Vada (Lentil Fritters)
It is traditionally made with split Bengal gram which is a type of lentil . A variation is to add 'Toor Dal' or split pigeon lentils to the split Bengal gram in the ratio 11/2 to ½. The process starts with soaking the dal in water for about 3 to 4 hours. The soaked dal is then ground into a coarse paste preferably in a grinder to which onions, chilies, curry leaves, and spices are added. The dough is shaped into small patties that are flattened and then deep-fried. It tastes best when it is hot and crisp.
Coconut chutney is a good accompaniment with it, although it tastes best by itself. This is a very common snack in many hotels and restaurants. It goes perfectly well as an appetizer at parties, potluck, and also a delicious afternoon snack with a cup of tea!

Parippu vada lentil fritters are spicy and delicious appetizer based on Indian cuisine and perfect for parties and potlucks.
- 2 cups Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
- ½ Onion (or 5 shallots ) finely chopped
- 2-3 Thai green Chilies
- 5-6 Curry leaves chopped
- 3-4 Red Chilly Flakes
- 1 inch Ginger finely chopped
- 1 pinch Asafoetida
- 3-4 cups Oil to deep fry
Soak the chana dal in water for 3 to 4 hours.
Drain the soaked dal using a colander and make sure there is no water left.
Grind the soaked chana dal coarsely with red chilies.
It is okay to have a couple of lentils uncrushed.
Add the onions, chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
Add salt to taste.
Take a small ball of the dough and shape it into a patty by flattening with your palm.
These patties can be deep-fried till you get a golden brown color
.Enjoy the spicy dal fritters with coconut chutney and with a hot cup of tea!
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Such a proteinrich indulgence ✌✌ one of the age old recipe...but still one of my fav recipe...this is one of my mom's signature dishes...I had this in ages....thanks for reminding me....🔝🔝
Yes Jyo, indeed an age old recipe and a very protein-rich snack , am glad it brought out good memories .Great to hear that it's your mom's signature dish, same story on my side as well 🙂 .Thank you so much!
Looks so tempting, love to grab one ! 🙂
Aww..Thank you so much Megala, you are very welcome 🙂 .They are indeed very tempting !
Cant keep calm - this is my major weakness !!
Agree, it is a weakness for many of us especially when hot and crisp 🙂 Thank you Vidya for stopping by!
Oh i agree !! My pleasure! Cheers
Looks delicious Nisha. I could easily reach in and grab a few! Now only if...
Thank you so much Dippy! You are very welcome to grab them 🙂 more than happy to share with you 🙂
Looks really yummy!😋
Thank you so much Ursula for the comments! They are very delicious and hope you can try them some time!
I love parippu vada and that looks soo yummy!!!!!
Thank you so much Anusha, happy to hear you love it as well.
Yummmm..... 🙂
Thank you so much Lorelle, so glad you liked it it was indeed yum!
This is a specialty in our Sri Lankan culture too. Xx
Ah! I see that's nice to know !
Thanks Nisha. X
Yummy
Thank you so much Archana!
Love it with tea!
Yes same here, it's a great combination with tea!
So yumm...Perfect with hot cup of tea or coffee..Will try this soon !!
Yes that is indeed the perfect combination and hope you get to make it soon . Thank you !
Ya I will make these soon and let you know how it turned out !!