Isso Vade (Sri Lankan Prawn Vadai) Recipe
Isso Vade is a popular Sri Lankan street food—a crispy lentil fritter topped with a whole prawn, bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Vadai Base:
- 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Oil (for deep frying)
For the Topping:
- 12-15 medium prawns (cleaned and deveined, with tails left intact)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Pinch of salt
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lentil Mixture:
- Wash and soak the lentils in water for 2-3 hours. Drain well.
- Grind the lentils into a coarse paste using a blender. Avoid adding too much water—a thick consistency is ideal.
- Mix the ground lentils with onions, green chilies, cumin, fennel seeds, turmeric powder, curry leaves, and salt.
2. Marinate the Prawns:
- Mix prawns with chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and lime juice. Set aside for 10 minutes.
3. Shape the Vadai:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and take a small portion of the lentil mixture. Flatten it slightly into a round patty shape.
- Place a marinated prawn on top of the patty, pressing it gently to stick.
4. Fry the Isso Vade:
- Carefully slide the patties into the hot oil, prawn side up.
- Fry in batches until the vadai is golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
5. Serve:
- Serve hot with coconut sambal or spicy chili sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Sri Lankan Isso Vade—crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious! 🦐
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