Crispy Cabbage Vada Recipe | Easy South Indian Tea-Time Snack

Cabbage Vada is a crispy and flavorful South Indian snack made with fresh cabbage, gram flour, rice flour, and aromatic spices. Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, these delicious fritters are perfect for tea-time, parties, or as an evening snack.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2–3 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Seasoning & Flavoring

• 3–4 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

For Frying

• Oil, as required

Preparation Method

Prepare the Vada Mixture

1. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add salt and let it rest for 5 minutes to release its natural moisture.
3. Add the chopped onion, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander leaves.
4. Mix everything well.

Prepare the Dough

1. Add the gram flour and rice flour to the cabbage mixture.
2. Mix well without adding water. The moisture released from the cabbage should be enough to bind the mixture.
3. If needed, sprinkle only a few drops of water to bring the mixture together into a firm dough.

Shape and Fry the Vadas

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
2. Grease your palms lightly with oil.
3. Take small portions of the mixture and flatten them into round vadas.
4. Carefully slide them into the hot oil.
5. Fry until both sides turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Add 1 tablespoon of hot oil to the dough for extra crispy vadas.
• Avoid adding excess water, as cabbage naturally releases moisture.
• Fry on medium heat to ensure the vadas cook evenly and become crispy.
• You can add roasted peanut powder or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
• Serve hot with coconut chutney, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup.

Nutrition (Approx. Per 1 Vada)

• Calories – 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates – 12 g
• Protein – 3 g
• Fat – 6 g
• Fiber – 2 g
• Sodium – 140 mg