After marriage, I was amazed to see my MIL making Karivadagam/Vengaya vadam on her own. I am a big fan of VengayaVadagam/ Small onion vadagam since my childhood
Add the remaining oil to the pan and when hot add vengayakarivadagam for seasoning. Vengayakarivadagam – 1 tsp. If you do not have vengayakarivadagam, then use 1/2 tsp each of mustard seeds and cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp of fenugreek seeds for seasoning
You can skip the vengayakarivadagam for seasoning if you do not have. Vengayakarivadagam – 1/4 tsp. Add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add vengayakarivadagam, fenugreek seeds, broken whole red chili, asafetida and curry leaves and sauté for 1/2 minute till you get the aroma
VengayaKariVadagam – 1/2 tsp. Add mustard seeds and when they crackle add vengayakarivadagam, asafetida, broken whole dry red chilies and sauté for 1/2 minute
Using vengayakarivadagam is optional. Add asafetida, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, chopped sambar vengayam and saute over medium flame till the onions become pink