Valde?

[ginaphan]

HI, I need some help with the recipe of this Indian Kuih. If I am not mistaken, it is called Valde. I watched my former neighbour do it but somehow I cannot get the same results in my kitchen now.

I use Dahl powder, add a bit os salt, add chopped shallots, chopped spring onions and chopped coriander leaves. Sometimes, I add chopped green chillies. Then I add water slowly to get a thick consistency.

Heat up oil in wok and spoon mixture to fry. Normally it is shaped like a small doughnut - with a hole in the middle but I can never get that too.

Anyone knows what I m talking about? It's very common in Indian restaurants but my former neighbour does it best. What am I missing? Somehow, the taste I get just isn't there. The texture seems wrong too. It's normally soft inside but mine comes out grainy.

Help.

[Lyn]

Hi, excuse the answer coming from an Aussie, but I think it's Vadai you are meaning. There are many sorts - and they are all quite complex to make. They require fermenting ground rice and dahl, amongst other complications. How do I know? My best friend is Tamil, and I am always visiting Tamil people. I have a recipe book if you want me to copy down the recipe, but if I lived in Malaysia I would just go and buy some, it's MUCH easier :)

[ginaphan]

Thanks for the feedback - alll the way frm Australia!

It IS easier to buy but so far, it's the ones that are home-made that taste best. I never liked it until I had a home-made one. I think I had better invite myself to my Indian friends houses more often ;-)

[Sukhipanna]

Tasted very nice vadai and curry puff from a little stall at Puncak Jalil on last Sat noon. The vadai was made flatter and very crispy. So is the curry puff's pastry! Miss it!!! Wish I have bought more! Still thinking of them now and salivating!

For those who are staying at Puncak Jalil, check out this stall at Puncak Jalil. I don't know address of the road, but it's on a main road. Not easy to miss. Next to it is a stall and lorry selling young coconuts.