I have tender childhood memories of this dish as it's association with Holi. Holi, a celebrated festival of colors across India, is now equally popular worldwide. Nowadays, I have observed many schools organizing color run here in States too. Of course, who would not love to play with colors? But Holi is not just about playing with colors, like any other festival, it also has deeply hidden significance. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, the importance of forgiveness and the virtue of letting go, also the arrival of spring. In short, this is a festival to play, laugh, eat and spread happiness.

Holi has always been special to me, and it has always been celebrated on a grand scale at both my hometown & at my in-laws. In our family (both my mother’s and in law’s), we have a tradition of preparing few special delicacies that are offered as prasad to deity, which includes maalpua, dahi vada, puri and aloo curry (all made without onion & garlic). Celebrating Holi with a grandeur requires intricate planning, especially when a number of friends and relatives would visit, joining us in the celebration. My mother & mother-in-law, both have mastered the art of planning. And, following in their footsteps, I also plan my - Dahi Vada preparation process (as I like to call it) - well in advance. Today I'm sharing my mother's recipe of dahi vada. (Do not forget to check my mom's maalpua recipe :)

Making Dahi Vada is not tedious but is definitely a time-consuming task. The lentil needs to be soaked and then ground to a smooth batter which is then deep fried in oil, giving it a dumpling shape. These vadas are again soaked in water for some time, and then finally dipped in yogurt. It is served with chutney and some spices. Well, traditionally dahi vada is made with urad daal or moong daal but these lentils are not SCD legal so I tried relacing the lentils to accomodate the dietary needs of my family. And believe me these vadas turned out superb with slight difference in taste, but who cares as long as we get to enjoy the festivities. This Holi do try my recipe of scd dahi vada and I guarantee you won't be disappointed:) 

Happy Holi!!