Gujarati Bajri na Vada or Methi Dhebra are the perfect snack for Sheetla Satam. They are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet and tangy - the Gujarati golden ratio! Best served with tea, chutney or yogurt.
Bajri na Vada is one of those recipes that needs thought and attention. It must be pre-planned as the dough must be fermented overnight and requires patience!
Bajjri na Vada have a few important characteristics. Firstly, they are made from Bajri no Lot or Millet flour and will have fresh methi or fenugreek leaves. They are then deep-fried and will form a pocket of air.
They are interchangeably called Vada or Dhebra. Usually, though dhebra are made as flat-breads which are pan-fried rather than deep-fried like these vada are. Bajri na Vada are not rolled with a rolling pin.
They are also very different to methi na thepla which again are pan-fried flatbreads!
The vada keep fresh for a few days so are an ideal snack for travelling or picnics. They are most commonly made during Sheetla Satam.
In Gujarat, Gujaratis observed Sheetla Satham on Krishana paksha Saptami thithi during Shravan month. This religious festival dedicated to goddess Sheetla Devi, who is worshipped to get rid of diseases like chickenpox.
In Gujarati, Sheetla means Chicken Pox. This day is hugely popular and celebrated in those families who have small kids, and if their kids had chickenpox that year, their mother vows to visit seven different households and ask for a food donation for herself and she wouldn't eat any other food that day.
On this day Gujarati's do not eat HOT food by technically not turning on the stove. However, we do not fast on this day either but eat cold food which was prepared on the previous day called "Randhan Chath" which means "Cook on the sixth day of the month of Shravan"
We prepare so many dishes, which can survive 24 hours and they don't go off, mostly fried foods like vada, pakora, savoury snacks, and many sweets such as
Sukhdi
Churma Ladoo
Kuler Ladoo
Gujarati style Dahi Vada
Bhel Puri
Handvo
Dudhi Thepla
On Kali Chaudash (which comes before Diwali), these vada are also made. There is a custom in Gujarat on this day that you make these vada and place one on each end of a crossroad near your house. Also Kheer and Puri are commonly made on this day.
Here is a list of Ingredients for vada and substitutes
Bajri Flour (બાજરી લોટ) known as millet flour (grey colour)
Makai Flour (મકાઈ લોટ) is known as maize flour (yellow colour) fine or coarse will work.
Chapati atta (રોટલી લોટ) we have used normal roti flour but one can use coarse wheat flour (Bhakhri No Jado Lot)
Semolina (સોજી) optional (if you use Jado lot don't add semolina)
Methi (મેથી) fresh fenugreek leaves. Do not substitute with kasuri methi as these are not the same ingredient and will give you the wrong taste.
Green chilli ginger (વાટેલા લીલા આદુ મરચા) crushed
Yogurt (ખાટુ દહીં) plain yogurt, can be either low fat or full fat but it has to be quite sour
Turmeric powder (હળદર)
Sugar (ખાંડ અથવા ગોળ ) you may add grated jaggery too - don't skip totally but you may reduce the amount
Oil (તેલ)
If you decided to add jaggery, first mix and dissolve in the yogurt. If you have added more Jaggery or sugar the vada will turn out darker, as it will caramelize, which is normal
It softens the dough
For soft and fluffier vada which won't turn out chewy and are easier to digest as the dough ferments
It helps the vada to rise or puff up when deep-fried
Either take the round dough ball and pat using your fingers into rounds that are 1/2 cm thick
Or, place the dough ball on an even surface with a paper towel or parchment and press down with a flat bottomed bowl or glass until you have achieved an even 1/2 cm thickness. (see video for directions). Ensure the vada does not stick to the surface - this is what the paper towel/baking paper is for.
For the best vada, keep the temperature of the oil with medium heat from the stove. If the vada go a very deep brown immediately after adding then the oil is too hot.
Can be served warm or cold.
Serve with Masala Chai or Karak Chai
They stay good for at least 4-5 days. Store in an airtight container after totally cooled down.
These vadas are made in three stages, first stage is kneading the dough, in the second stage ferment the dough and at third stage shape the vada and fry them.
KNEADING THE DOUGH
In a bowl take four flours (pic 1)
Add sesame seeds (pic 2)
Then add sugar (pic 3)
Now add turmeric powder (pic 4)
Add crushed ginger and chillies (pic 5)
Salt (pic 6)
Now add finely chopped methi-fenugreek leaves (pic 7)
Last add yogurt and oil (pic 8)
SHAPE THE VADA AND FRY
Lay a kitchen paper or tea towel on a worktop, place one vada ball on then gently press it using flat base bowl and make vada (pic 1)
Roughly 2" diameter and 1/2 cm thickness (pic 2)
Vada ready to fry (pic 3)
Gently slip the vada into the HOT oil (pic 4)
Do not flip or touch (pic 5)
It will puff up automatically (pic 6)
Will go brown on the bottom sides (pic 7)
Flip the vada using slotted spoon or jaro (pic 8)
Once equally cooked and browned remove and follow the same procedure with remaining dough (pic 9)
Other Gujarati Snacks
1. Gujarat Na Daal Vada
2. Gujarati Batata Vada
3. Masala Fulwadi
4. Packed Potato Bhajia
Note - this recipe was posted on our blog on 9th August 2012, since I have updated the post with new content and pictures.
Bajri Methi Na Vada
Bajri na Vada is one of those recipes that needs thought and attention. It must be pre-planned as the dough must be fermented overnight and requires patience!
Bajjri na Vada have a few important characteristics. Firstly, they are made from Bajri no Lot or Millet flour and will have fresh methi or fenugreek leaves. They are then deep-fried and will form a pocket of air.
They are interchangeably called Vada or Dhebra. Usually, though dhebra are made as flat-breads which are pan-fried rather than deep-fried like these vada are. Bajri na Vada are not rolled with a rolling pin.
They are also very different to methi na thepla which again are pan-fried flatbreads!
Sheetla Satam and Kali Chaudash
The vada keep fresh for a few days so are an ideal snack for travelling or picnics. They are most commonly made during Sheetla Satam.
In Gujarat, Gujaratis observed Sheetla Satham on Krishana paksha Saptami thithi during Shravan month. This religious festival dedicated to goddess Sheetla Devi, who is worshipped to get rid of diseases like chickenpox.
In Gujarati, Sheetla means Chicken Pox. This day is hugely popular and celebrated in those families who have small kids, and if their kids had chickenpox that year, their mother vows to visit seven different households and ask for a food donation for herself and she wouldn't eat any other food that day.
On this day Gujarati's do not eat HOT food by technically not turning on the stove. However, we do not fast on this day either but eat cold food which was prepared on the previous day called "Randhan Chath" which means "Cook on the sixth day of the month of Shravan"
We prepare so many dishes, which can survive 24 hours and they don't go off, mostly fried foods like vada, pakora, savoury snacks, and many sweets such as
Sukhdi
Churma Ladoo
Kuler Ladoo
Gujarati style Dahi Vada
Bhel Puri
Handvo
Dudhi Thepla
On Kali Chaudash (which comes before Diwali), these vada are also made. There is a custom in Gujarat on this day that you make these vada and place one on each end of a crossroad near your house. Also Kheer and Puri are commonly made on this day.
Ingredients for Bajri na Vada:
Here is a list of Ingredients for vada and substitutes
Bajri Flour (બાજરી લોટ) known as millet flour (grey colour)
Makai Flour (મકાઈ લોટ) is known as maize flour (yellow colour) fine or coarse will work.
Chapati atta (રોટલી લોટ) we have used normal roti flour but one can use coarse wheat flour (Bhakhri No Jado Lot)
Semolina (સોજી) optional (if you use Jado lot don't add semolina)
Methi (મેથી) fresh fenugreek leaves. Do not substitute with kasuri methi as these are not the same ingredient and will give you the wrong taste.
Green chilli ginger (વાટેલા લીલા આદુ મરચા) crushed
Yogurt (ખાટુ દહીં) plain yogurt, can be either low fat or full fat but it has to be quite sour
Turmeric powder (હળદર)
Sugar (ખાંડ અથવા ગોળ ) you may add grated jaggery too - don't skip totally but you may reduce the amount
Oil (તેલ)
If you decided to add jaggery, first mix and dissolve in the yogurt. If you have added more Jaggery or sugar the vada will turn out darker, as it will caramelize, which is normal
Why do we leave the dough to ferment overnight?
It softens the dough
For soft and fluffier vada which won't turn out chewy and are easier to digest as the dough ferments
It helps the vada to rise or puff up when deep-fried
Two ways to make vada, how to shape vada
Either take the round dough ball and pat using your fingers into rounds that are 1/2 cm thick
Or, place the dough ball on an even surface with a paper towel or parchment and press down with a flat bottomed bowl or glass until you have achieved an even 1/2 cm thickness. (see video for directions). Ensure the vada does not stick to the surface - this is what the paper towel/baking paper is for.
What temperature should the oil be
For the best vada, keep the temperature of the oil with medium heat from the stove. If the vada go a very deep brown immediately after adding then the oil is too hot.
Tips for the best Bajri Vada
- Make sure chili and ginger is finely chopped or pureed
- When frying the vada, allow them to rise or puff up themselves. It takes around 10/20 seconds but you will see them rise. Then flip them around and fry on the other side.
- Sometimes, you may have holes in the vada which prevent them puffing. This could be due to the sesame seeds puncturing the vada and letting the air escape.
- Put only one or two vada in the oil at once to give them enough room.
- You must give the dough a minimum of 8 hours to ferment before making these vada. There is no shortcut to this!
Serving and Storage
Can be served warm or cold.
Serve with Masala Chai or Karak Chai
They stay good for at least 4-5 days. Store in an airtight container after totally cooled down.
How to make Bajri Methi na Vada
These vadas are made in three stages, first stage is kneading the dough, in the second stage ferment the dough and at third stage shape the vada and fry them.
KNEADING THE DOUGH
In a bowl take four flours (pic 1)
Add sesame seeds (pic 2)
Then add sugar (pic 3)
Now add turmeric powder (pic 4)
Add crushed ginger and chillies (pic 5)
Salt (pic 6)
Now add finely chopped methi-fenugreek leaves (pic 7)
Last add yogurt and oil (pic 8)
FERMENT THE DOUGH
Mix everything (pic 1)
Knead stiff dough by adding warm water (pic 2)
Cover the dough with a clean tea towel or lid and leave it overnight or at least 8 hours to ferment (pic 3)
In the morning knead the dough again for a minute or two, divide it into the equal size portions (lime size) (pic 4)
Shape into balls (pic 5)
Roll them in sesame seeds (pic 6)
SHAPE THE VADA AND FRY
Lay a kitchen paper or tea towel on a worktop, place one vada ball on then gently press it using flat base bowl and make vada (pic 1)
Roughly 2" diameter and 1/2 cm thickness (pic 2)
Vada ready to fry (pic 3)
Gently slip the vada into the HOT oil (pic 4)
Do not flip or touch (pic 5)
It will puff up automatically (pic 6)
Will go brown on the bottom sides (pic 7)
Flip the vada using slotted spoon or jaro (pic 8)
Once equally cooked and browned remove and follow the same procedure with remaining dough (pic 9)
Other Gujarati Snacks
1. Gujarat Na Daal Vada
2. Gujarati Batata Vada
3. Masala Fulwadi
4. Packed Potato Bhajia
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Yield: 15-18 VADAS

BAJRI NA VADA | GUJARATI METHI DHEBRA
Soft and fluffy Bajri Na Vada, traditional Gujarati dish that often made and served during winter and on Sheetla Satam. These are made with millet flour and fresh fenugreek leaves.
Prep time: 10 hourCook time: 1 hourTotal time: 11 H
Ingredients:
- 1 cup millet flour
- 3/4 cup maize flour
- 3/4 cup wholewheat flour or chapati flour
- 3 tbsp. semolina
- 2 tbsp. sesame seeds + more
- 2-3 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. ginger and green chillies crushed
- 4-5 tbsp. sour plain yogurt
- Salt
- 5 tbsp. finely chopped fenugreek leaves
- Oil
Equipment/Tools
- Big plate or bowl
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
Instructions:
- In a big bowl or plate place all the flours and other ingredients along with 1 TBSP. oil.
- Combine well.
- Using warm water knead a stiff dough.
- Cover the dough with the clean cloth and leave it aside to ferment for at least 10 hours or overnight.
- Next day knead the dough again for a couple of minutes. The dough should be a little softer.
- Divide the dough into equal size portions (small lime size).
- Roll them into the sesame seeds.
- Lay a clean kitchen paper, plastic sheet or just damp cotton cloth on a worktop.
- Place one ball on and press using a flat bottom bowl (check video) and make not too thick or thin 2" diameter round disk.
- Heat oil on medium heat, carefully slip one vada and let it fry, don't use spoon until the vada fluffs up then turn.
- Once both sides are evenly fried, remove it.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Enjoy!
Notes:
Use same bowl or cup for all the flour measurements.
Do not keep vada too thick or thin (if kept too thick they won't cook inside, if too thin they won't fluff up)
If vada dough is very stiff, add very little water and make little softer.
Keep a bowl of water near you while patting the vada, if the dough sticks to your fingers just dip fingers in the water, and pat the vada.
This recipe needs practice, practice and practice.
Do not keep vada too thick or thin (if kept too thick they won't cook inside, if too thin they won't fluff up)
If vada dough is very stiff, add very little water and make little softer.
Keep a bowl of water near you while patting the vada, if the dough sticks to your fingers just dip fingers in the water, and pat the vada.
This recipe needs practice, practice and practice.
Calories
151.22
151.22
Fat (grams)
1.73
1.73
Sat. Fat (grams)
0.35
0.35
Carbs (grams)
29.75
29.75
Fiber (grams)
2.78
2.78
Net carbs
26.96
26.96
Sugar (grams)
3.11
3.11
Protein (grams)
4.96
4.96
Sodium (milligrams)
53.41
53.41
Cholesterol (grams)
0.26
0.26
The nutritional information provided is an approximation calculated by an online calculator. Please consult a professional dietitian for nutritional advice.
All rights reserved -2010-2020 Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey
PIN IT FOR LATER
Note - this recipe was posted on our blog on 9th August 2012, since I have updated the post with new content and pictures.
Omg, those vadas are definitely addictive, feel like munching some.
ReplyDeleteI made makai vadas. Yours look tasty.
ReplyDeleteThese look fingerlicking!
ReplyDeleteLike you I also can't enjoy cold food :-( lovely recipe...
ReplyDeletedelicious and yummy !!! Join in Fast Food Event - Noodles .
ReplyDeleteawesome recipe....vadas looks so delicious...
ReplyDeleteNice authentic recipe.will surely try this soon..
ReplyDeleteohh my...wat a tasty treat..!
ReplyDeleteTasty Appetite
Happy Krishna Jayanti to you. Interesting story and such stories never cease to wonder us.
ReplyDeleteLove Ash.
thank you for linking this delicious pakora looks wonderful
ReplyDeleteI like reading about food traditions: some of them are a bit mysterious, but we follow them and enjoy them nonetheless. Thank you for your contribution to Cooking with Seeds.
ReplyDeleteHi Jagruti! Love this post!!
ReplyDeleteMy chachi used to make this banana raita on Sheetla Satham. I know it had 'rai na kuriya' in it and it was delicious. We always ate it with thepla. It is so delicious! I can't find the recipe anywhere so I was wondering if you knew it? Thanks a bunch!!
Hi Alpa, yes, I know this recipe. surely I will try to post this recipe.
DeleteInteresting and new snack for me.. I will give it a try sometime.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, we make a similar version but that can be stored for long...looks delicious and healthy
ReplyDeleteThe recipe sounds easy and delicious! I am sure everyone in my family will love this. Loved reading the food traditions ..I can relate to some :)
ReplyDeleteHow delicious they could be, pictures saying all. Simple ingredients and basic process & one can have such a delectable tea time snack.
ReplyDeleteBajri methi na Vada reminds me of my gujarati friends who used to feed us these often during winters.
ReplyDeleteYour vadas have come out perfect with beautiful colour on top.
Simple yet delicious. I loved the way you have flattened them with the bowl. This is something very much doable for me.
ReplyDeleteI love Gujarati snacks. But never had this vada before. Bajri vada looks so delicious and flavorful!
ReplyDeleteThese bajri na vada look so delicious. Thanks for sharing, I will make them on this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe wadas look so scrumptious! I like your step by step photos and tips. What a fabulous share!
ReplyDeleteOur family is a huge fan of vada or as we call them makai na dhebra. I remember my mum use to make them for sitla saatam. Usually that's all we would have the whole day with milk or dahi. My granny was a believer of not eating too much on days of fasting.
ReplyDeleteSome traditional recipes need patience and this is one of them... totally different than usual vadas
ReplyDeleteThese bajri na vada look so delicious. I love the detailed post and you made it look so simple and anyone who tries to make it for the first time can never go wrong...fab share!
ReplyDeleteThe bajiri vada looks scrumptious. I love that you used different flours and the methi leaves addition is sure win.
ReplyDeleteWhat a traditional recipe this is and I am becoming more and more of a Gujarati food fan. Love your step by step pictorials for beginners.
ReplyDeleteI love the way this post is written, explaining every detail to look forward to and avoid errors. From the temperature to the storage ways, I love it all.
ReplyDeleteIt is simply intriguing to see how various recipes come up from similar ingredients. These vadas look so fluffy and soft...
ReplyDelete