Tasty and light South Indian evening snacks

Jun 14, 2024 Credit: Freepik

Vada (Medu Vada)

These are crispy, savoury doughnuts made from urad dal (black gram) batter, often spiced with green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves. They are deep-fried and usually served with coconut chutney and sambar. Credit: Freepik

Bajji

These are deep-fried fritters made by dipping vegetables (such as banana peppers, potatoes, eggplant, or onions) in a spicy gram flour batter. They are crispy and perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Credit: Freepik

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. It can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with a spicy potato filling (masala dosa). Dosas are typically served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and sambar. Credit: Freepik

Idli

Steamed rice cakes made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. Idlis are soft, fluffy, and light, often served with chutneys and sambar. They can also be made into various forms like rava idli (made with semolina) or stuffed idli. Credit: Freepik

Uttapam

A thick, savoury pancake made from dosa batter, topped with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, chillies, and cilantro. It is served with chutney and sambar. Credit: Freepik

Mysore Bonda

Deep-fried balls made from a spiced urad dal batter. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, typically served with coconut chutney. Credit: Freepik

Paniyaram

Small, round dumplings made from dosa or idli batter, cooked in a special paniyaram pan. They can be sweet or savoury, often spiced with onions, green chillies, and curry leaves. Credit: Freepik

Murukku

A crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour, seasoned with spices like cumin and sesame seeds. It's deep-fried to a golden brown and is a perfect munching snack. Credit: Freepik

Sundal

A healthy snack made from cooked legumes like chickpeas, black-eyed peas, or moong dal, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It's light and nutritious. Credit: Freepik

Thattai

A crispy, deep-fried snack made from rice flour and gram flour, flavored with spices and sometimes peanuts or lentils. It's a popular snack during festivals and is enjoyed with tea or coffee. Credit: Freepik