Apple Almond Vada

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These are vegan and protein rich apple fritters that are easy to make and delicious to the last bit. These are great for an afternoon snack when your apple trees are loaded with fruits. The flavor of apples and cinnamon along with the nutty flavor attributed by almonds and dal will make you reach for the next one easily. These apple fritters are made with dal and nuts instead of all purpose flour and hence are gluten free and healthy too.

Do you vada (South Indian lentil fritter)? Do you love churros? Do you love apple fritters? Well, then these vadas are for you! These vadas give the perfect satisfaction of churros while being vegan and protein rich too. The split urad dal (one of the pulses) and almonds make this fritter a protein rich one. These deep fried apple fritters, generously rolled on cinnamon sugar are perfect treats to indulge on any day.

These fritters will remind you of the Kalkandu Vadai from the Chettinad Cuisine which are made by grinding the dal with rock sugar candy and then deep fried. They are sweet but not too sweet. These apple almond vadas are similar to the Kalkandu Vada but enhanced flavors from apple, almonds, and cinnamon. These gluten free and protein rich apple fritters with a generous cinnamon sugar are the best substitute for gluten free vegan churro bites.

The following ingredients are required to make these apple almond vada:

Almonds - Almonds give nutty flavor and add to the protein content. Almonds are not peeled in this recipe, but they can be peeled and used too.

Apples - A mixture of Fuji and Granny Smith apples are used in this recipe. Any apple can be used.

Split urad dal - The dal acts as a binder and increases the protein profile.

Salt - enhances flavor.

Brown sugar - Adds a tinge of sweetness

Cinnamon - A perfect flavor partner for apples.

Cinnamon sugar - The generous dusting or rolling of the vadas in cinnamon roll enhances the sweetness and gives the churro effect.Oil - Any neutral flavored oil can be used for deep frying.

When making the batter, it is important not to use water. Once brown sugar is added, the batter will become a little loose and after adding grated apple, it will have a perfect consistency to make vadas.

What kind of apples to use

I use apples that I have on hand. Granny smith, Fuji, or a mixture of apples can be used. I have these trees and when my friend shares her bounty, I use that to make this Slow Cooker Apple Butter, Apple Pie Pancakes, or Apple Steel Cut Oats for a delicious breakfast.

Generally, vadas are slightly flattened. These apple almond vadas can also be shaped like discs and fried just like our traditional Medhu Vada or Masal Vadai. They can also be scooped with a cookie scoop and fried just like in this recipe. 
Slices of apples are my favorite snack and apple pie is my favorite dessert. If you would like to explore one of a kind recipes with apples, check out this Caramel Apple Pie Lassi and Apple Boba Tea. They are our favorite way of having dessert or drink. If you want a slightly sweet, savory, broth-like soup, try this apple rasam, it is perfect for cold winter.

Ingredients

Makes 19

Split urad dal - ¼ cup

Almonds - ¼ cup

Apple - ¾ cup, shredded

Brown sugar - 3 tbsp

Cinnamon - ⅛ tsp

Cinnamon sugar - ½ cup

Oil - 3 cups

Method

Soak the dal and almonds with enough water for 2 to 4 hours.

Drain the water completely. Grind the almonds to a coarse mixture, followed by the soaked dal. Then add the brown sugar and cinnamon and pulse for a couple of times.

Transfer to a bowl, add the grated apples and a pinch of salt. Combine thoroughly.

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan over low-medium flame. With a cookie scoop, scoop the batter and add to the hot oil. Deep fry for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook for two more minutes. Remove from the oil. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Roll the Vadas in cinnamon sugar generously.

Transfer to a serving dish and serve with a cup of tea.

Delicious Apple Recipes

• Apple Biscuits from Jen Around the World
• Apple Butter from Palatable Pastime
• Apple Cider Mimosa from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
• Apple Crumble Muffins from Art of Natural Living
• Apple Walnut Snack Cake from That Recipe
• Easy Skillet Apple Crisp from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Maple Apple Pie with Walnut Crumble Topping from The Spiffy Cookie

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