chilly vadagam

Chilly Vadagam is a popular South Indian snack that is made from lentils and spices. It is also known as “Vathal” or “Vadam” in some regions. Vadagams are typically made by grinding lentils, mixing them with spices, and shaping them into small discs or balls. These discs are then dried under the sun until they become crispy.

To make Chilly Vadagam, you would typically start by soaking urad dal (split black lentils) and rice in water for a few hours. After draining the water, the soaked lentils and rice are ground into a smooth batter. To this batter, you would add red chili powder, salt, asafoetida, and any other desired spices like cumin or black pepper.

The spiced batter is then shaped into small discs or balls, which are placed on a clean cloth or plastic sheet to dry under the sun. It can take several days for the vadagams to completely dry and become crispy. Once they are thoroughly dried, they can be stored in an airtight container for a long time.

Chilly Vadagams are typically deep-fried or roasted before serving. They are often enjoyed as a crunchy accompaniment to rice dishes or as a standalone snack. The spiciness of the vadagams can be adjusted according to personal preference by varying the amount of chili powder used.

It’s worth noting that the preparation method may vary slightly based on regional preferences and individual recipes.