Dal vada | Parippu vada - South Indian | Lentil fritters

Dal vada/Parippu vada is one of the most popular dishes from Kerala (South India). It is a spicy, crunchy and yummy dish. A cup of tea or coffee with hot vada makes a great combination.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Chana or Toor dal
2-3 dry red chillies
1/4 cup Shallots /Onions
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (Saunf)
1 inch ginger finely chopped
sprig curry leaves
pinch of asafoetida
1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder (optional)
salt to taste
oil for frying'

Method:

• Wash and soak dal along with dry red chilli in water for 3-4 hours.
• Drain out the water completely and grind it to a coarse paste along with red chilli.( Do not grind to a smooth paste)
• Add finely chopped shallots, ginger, asafoetida, fennel seeds, red chilli powder (optional), curry leaves and salt into the grounded mixture. Mix everything together (do not add water). You can also use green chilli instead of red chilli.
• Take spoonful of mixture on your palm, make small ball and flatten them.( If it's too sticky wet your palm little with water)
• Heat some oil in a kadai or deep bottom pan. When the oil is hot reduce the flame to medium and deep fry the vadas by turning both sides till golden brown. Transfer it in a kitchen tissue.
• Serve hot with a cup of tea.

Pictorial:

               Wash and soak dal along with dry red chilli in water for 3-4 hours.

Drain out the water completely and grind it to a coarse paste along with red chilli.( Do not grind to a smooth paste)

Add finely chopped shallots, ginger, asafoetida, fennel seeds, red chilli powder (optional), curry leaves and salt into the grounded mixture. Mix everything together (do not add water).

Take spoonful of mixture on your palm, make small ball and flatten them.( If it's too sticky wet your palm little with water)

Heat some oil in a kadai or deep bottom pan. When the oil is hot reduce the flame to medium and deep fry the vadas by turning both sides till golden brown. Transfer it in a kitchen tissue.

                                                  Serve hot with a cup of tea or coffee.

Notes:

1. Chana dal or Toor dal both taste same.
2. Make sure oil is hot or else the vada will break.
3. Red chillies can be replaced by green chillies.