Masala Vada

Ingredients (9)

• channa dal1 cup
• dried red chillies2
• fennel seeds1 tsp
• onion1
• green chillies2
• curry leaves1 sprig
• fresh coriander leaves2 tbsp
• salt
• oil

Method

1. 1

   Wash the channa dal thoroughly and soak it in plenty of water for 4 hours.

2. 2

   Drain the water completely.

3. 3

   Reserve 2 tablespoons of the soaked dal for extra texture.

4. 4

   Grind the remaining dal with the dried red chillies, fennel seeds and salt to a coarse mixture, using very little or no water.

5. 5

   Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.

6. 6

   Add the reserved whole channa dal, chopped onion, green chillies, curry leaves and coriander leaves.

7. 7

   Mix everything well.

8. 8

   Heat oil in a deep kadai over medium heat.

9. 9

   Take a small lemon-sized portion of the mixture and flatten it gently into a disc.

10. 10

    Carefully slide the vadas into the hot oil.

11. 11

    Fry in batches over medium heat, turning occasionally until both sides are deep golden brown and crisp.

12. 12

    Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

13. 13

    Serve hot.