Uzhunnu Vada
Uzhunnu Vada is a beloved savory, doughnut-shaped fritter from Kerala, made primarily from a batter of ground black gram (urad dal) that is deep-fried to a golden crisp. It is a staple breakfast or snack item, often served with coconut chutney and sambar, and is a key part of the traditional Kerala Sadya feast.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both protein and fat due to its main ingredient (black gram) and deep-frying preparation method, providing a good source of dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium. A single vada typically contains around 150-200 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Folate | 95 µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.25 mg |
| Zinc | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
Per 2 vadas (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Uzhunnu Vada is considered an essential offering in temples and during festivals like Onam, symbolizing prosperity. Nutritionally, the fermentation of the urad dal batter before frying enhances its digestibility and increases the bioavailability of its nutrients.
