Vadacurry is a popular side dish recipe in Tamilnadu made using Kadalai paruppu (chan dal) and goes well with most of the Indian breakfast recipes but I usually serve them with either dosa or idly.The vadais that are used in making the gravy can be steamed or deep fried.Today I have shared here the steamed version of making Vadaicurry for they are not only healthy but delicious too.I have added coconut milk for extra taste and consistency ,but you can just add water instead of coconut milk.If you are preparing with coconut milk then consume it the same day.
Usually in hotels they use the left over MASALA VADAIS.But I prefer making this Vadacurry at home for we could use quality ingredients and also we can steam the vadais instead of deep frying.Though it is a time consuming side dish recipe,it is worth trying at home for they are absolutely delicious and makes your tummy happy.

PREAPARATION TIME : 10 MINS

SOAKING TIME : 1 HOUR

MAKING TIME : 25-10 MINS

SERVES : 4

INGREDIENTS

TO GRIND

1/2 cup channa dal/ kadalai paruppu

6 red chilies

1 tsp fennel seeds

Salt as required

OTHER INGREDIENTS

2 onions (chopped)

2 tomatoes (chopped)

1 cup coconut milk

1 green chilly

2 star anise

2 small piece of cinnamon

3 cloves

1 bay leaf

1 sprig curry leaves

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 & 1/2 tsp red chilly powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 & 1/2 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 & 1/2 cups water

1 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped)

1 tbsp mint leaves (chopped)

Oil as required

Salt as required

METHOD

Soak kadalai paruppu / chana dal for an hour and grind coarsely with fennel seeds,red chillies and salt.

Make small balls out the ground mixture,flatten them at the center and steam for 8-10 mins

Heat oil in a pan,add star anise,cloves,green chillies,bay leaf and saute for 2 mins in low flame.Then add onions,ginger garlic paste,curry leaves and saute for 3 mins in low flame.

Add tomatoes and saute for 2 mins,then add turmeric power,chilli powder,coriander powder,cumin powder,salt and saute for 4-5 mins or until they are completely cooked.

Now add 1 cup coconut milk,1 & 1/2 water and let it boil.When it starts boiing simmer the flame to low and cook for 10 mins until oil separates.

Break the vadais roughly and add it to the gravy.Simmer in low flame for 5 more mins and then add the chopped coriander leaves,mint leaves and switch off the flame.

Serve the delicious Vadacurry with Idly.