Corn Vada/Fritters

Sweet corn is a maize variety and one of the most popular vegetables that is enjoyed by all. The corn kernels are used either fresh or frozen or as creamed corn. Sweet corn is known to have several health benefits like cancer prevention, memory enhancement and vision protection. Although, sweet corn has a slightly higher sugar content than other corn varieties, it has moderate calories when compared to other vegetables. Sweet corn is a gluten-free cereal and can be used in cooking/baking accordingly. 

The other day, I was picking out some vegetables when I came across some fresh corn kernels and  I couldn't resist it as it happens to be one of my favorite veggies (not that I have many to begin with). Most of the times, I pick an ingredient and then think of a recipe to use it in... not this time!! 

I suddenly remembered the corn fritters/vada (south indian food that is prepared using a dough made from lentils and is deep fried in oil) I tried at an indian buffet couple years ago. The thought of the corn vadas brought back a faint memory of what other ingredients were in the vadas....all I could recollect was that it was plain (more like sweet corn cake) but addictive. So, I decided to give it a try and the result was crispy and tasty corn vadas/fritters that was enjoyed by everyone. Give it a try!!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, ground coarsely
1/4 cup fresh corn kernels (optional)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 -3 green chillies, finely chopped
Few curry leaves
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
1 tsp garam masala powder
2-3 tbsp rice flour
5 tbsp roasted split dalia powder (pound dalia until finely powdered)
2/3 cup Oil, for frying

Method:

Wash and rinse the fresh corn kernels and grind to a slightly coarse paste (if it is too coarse, you will not be able to form small round discs, so it should be in between coarse to medium fine consistency). The corn dough might seem a bit wet as it starts to let out the corn milk when ground...that's ok!!

In a mixing bowl, add the ground corn, fresh corn kernels (skip it if you don't like whole corn kernels in the fritters), onion, green chillies, curry leaves and cilantro leaves. Mix well.

Now, add the garam masala powder, salt,roasted split dalia powder and rice flour. Mix all the ingredients to form a soft dough.

Using the dough, form small round discs and deep fry in oil until both sides are golden brown.  Drain the excess oil on a paper towel and serve hot with some ketchup or spicy chilli sauce. 

Enjoy the corn fritters/vada with your favorite cup of hot beverage!!!

Makes 24 fritters/vadas.