Oh my... Vadai

There is something comforting about the smell of freshly fried vadai wafting through the kitchen. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these savoury lentil fritters are a beloved snack across many Indian homes. Sapna’s vadai recipe is one she enjoys preparing for family gatherings and festive occasions, where simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

From childhood to a passionate home chef who shares generously

Sapna’s love for cooking began in her childhood kitchen, where she would watch and help her mother prepare meals for the family. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for food and the joy of sharing home-cooked dishes with others.

Mdm Sapna Vasnani was making Vadai at Kim Choo Kueh Chang's studio

After many years working as a private tutor, Sapna eventually turned her passion into something more. She started a vegetarian food delivery service that catered mainly to Indian expatriates, bringing comforting home-style Indian meals to their tables. Later, she decided to deepen her culinary skills through the SkillsFuture programme, where she completed a Diploma in Pastry Arts. Since then, Sapna has been perfecting her craft in eggless baking while also running a small catering service.

Today, Sapna continues to share her knowledge and passion for food as a trainer at the Wellness Centre at Our Tampines Hub, where she teaches mainly Indian cuisine. Through her classes and cooking, Sapna hopes to inspire others to discover the joy of preparing and sharing food with family and friends.

Vadai

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (160g) whole white urad dal

• 1/2 tsp ginger paste

• 1/2 - 1 green chili

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds

• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed blask peppercorns

Optional

• Fried onions

• Curry leaves

• Coriander leaves

  
  

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the dal for 4 - 6 hours.

2. Grind along with ginger, green chili and salt with very little cold water to make a thick and smooth paste.

3. Add in the optional ingredients, if using.

4. Whish this batter well with hand to incorporate air.

5. Dip one hand in water, and place 1 tbsp of the batter on the wet hand.

6. Use a finger to make a hole in the batter and drop carefully into hot oil.

7. Fry on medium heat till golden brown. serve with coconut chutney and sambhar.

Bringing It All Together

These vadai are best enjoyed hot, paired with a cup of tea or served alongside coconut chutney. They make a perfect snack for sharing with family and friends, bringing people together around the table. Like many home-cooked dishes, Sapna’s vadai are more than just a recipe – they are a reminder of the joy of cooking and sharing food with those around us.

Simple, flavourful and deeply comforting, Sapna’s vadai capture the spirit of home cooking – food made with care, meant to be enjoyed together.