‘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 1/2. 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)
- 1/2 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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25 Comments
jyo
September 7, 2017 at 9:46 amSuch 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….🔝🔝
InspiresN
September 7, 2017 at 11:32 amYes 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!
Megala
September 7, 2017 at 9:50 amLooks so tempting, love to grab one ! 🙂
InspiresN
September 7, 2017 at 11:36 amAww..Thank you so much Megala, you are very welcome 🙂 .They are indeed very tempting !
Vidya Narayan
September 7, 2017 at 12:06 pmCant keep calm – this is my major weakness !!
InspiresN
September 7, 2017 at 9:15 pmAgree, it is a weakness for many of us especially when hot and crisp 🙂 Thank you Vidya for stopping by!
Vidya Narayan
September 8, 2017 at 3:32 amOh i agree !! My pleasure! Cheers
Dippy-Dotty Girl
September 7, 2017 at 6:26 pmLooks delicious Nisha. I could easily reach in and grab a few! Now only if…
InspiresN
September 7, 2017 at 9:24 pmThank you so much Dippy! You are very welcome to grab them 🙂 more than happy to share with you 🙂
a little Swiss, a little Canadian
September 7, 2017 at 8:37 pmLooks really yummy!😋
InspiresN
September 7, 2017 at 9:26 pmThank you so much Ursula for the comments! They are very delicious and hope you can try them some time!
anushascuisines
September 8, 2017 at 12:06 amI love parippu vada and that looks soo yummy!!!!!
InspiresN
September 8, 2017 at 8:40 amThank you so much Anusha, happy to hear you love it as well.
amindfultravellerblog
September 8, 2017 at 2:30 amYummmm….. 🙂
InspiresN
September 8, 2017 at 8:37 amThank you so much Lorelle, so glad you liked it it was indeed yum!
amindfultravellerblog
September 8, 2017 at 8:49 amThis is a specialty in our Sri Lankan culture too. Xx
InspiresN
September 8, 2017 at 8:52 amAh! I see that’s nice to know !
amindfultravellerblog
September 8, 2017 at 8:52 amThanks Nisha. X
Archana
September 9, 2017 at 10:21 pmYummy
InspiresN
September 11, 2017 at 9:07 amThank you so much Archana!
afoodiehousewife
September 11, 2017 at 10:34 amLove it with tea!
InspiresN
September 11, 2017 at 10:38 amYes same here, it’s a great combination with tea!
Anshu Agarwal
September 25, 2017 at 5:02 pmSo yumm…Perfect with hot cup of tea or coffee..Will try this soon !!
InspiresN
September 26, 2017 at 9:13 amYes that is indeed the perfect combination and hope you get to make it soon . Thank you !
Anshu Agarwal
September 26, 2017 at 3:31 pmYa I will make these soon and let you know how it turned out !!