Kerala Dal vada/ Parippu Vada

Ingredients :

2 cups Channa dal or yellow split peas
3 or 4 hot green chilies, finely chopped (less for milder taste)
Salt to taste
6 to 7 pearl onion thinly chopped
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
A few sprigs of curry leaves
6 cups vegetable, coconut oil for deep-frying

Method :

1.Soak Channa dal / thuvar dal in water for 3 to 4 hours and then drain in a colander.
2. In a food processor / Blender combine 1 3/4 cup of the soaked dal with salt and grind coarsely
3. Add the remaining soaked dal to the coarsely grounded dal. The ground mixture should be very thick so that it can be shaped into small discs.
4. Remove from the processor, sprinkle chopped green chilies, onion, grated ginger, cilantro leaves and curry leaves and mix well.
5. Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed pan. When the oil is hot, wet the palms of your hand and shape about two tablespoons of the dal mixture into a 1 1/2 to 2 inch round disc. Pierce in between the vada (like we do for medhu vada)
6. Slide the vada gently into the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining mix. Fry vadas on medium heat for approximately 4 to 6 minutes till they turn golden brown and crisp.
7. Remove from the oil and drain.
Serve hot with tea.It may be served with coconut chutney and / or sambar.

Tips:

1. Since the dal absorbs water during soaking, there is no need to add extra water when processing.