Lentil fritters (Medu Vada)

Ingredients:

For batter: 
1 cup split white urad dal lentil
1 tblsp raw uncooked rice

2 tblsp chopped ginger
1/2 finely chopped onion
7-8 finely chopped curry leaves
Finely chopped cilantro
3-4 Finely chopped green chillies
1 tblsp Cumin seeds
1tblsp black pepper corn
Salt to taste

 Recipe:

1) Soak urad dal lentil and rice in water for about 3 hours.

2) The dal soaks up all the water, doubles up and becomes soft that breaks easily with nails.

3) Drain all the remaining water and grind the dal with ginger in grinder. The moisture in the soaked dal helps in grinding, but a very small quantity of water may be needed. It is very important that as minimum water be added since a thick batter consistency makes intact fritters or else the batter breaks and flows in the oil. But the dal in the mixer has to move to form the paste!! I know..I know... yes! add enough water in tablespoon quantity...but just ENOUGH!

4) Next to the batter of RIGHT consistency, add onion, curry leaves, cilantro, green chillies, salt and pepper corns. Mix thoroughly to form a uniform batter.

5) Also more you mix the batter with spoon or hands it will make soft fritters. So give it a mix! Your toddler will enjoy mixing too!

6) Keep oil to heat in a pan. Apply water to your fingers and with other hand using a ladle place a small portion of batter on your fingers. Using your finger poke a hole in the center of the vada. Thats the yellow nail paint, dont freak out!

7) Very carefully release the formed vada from your fingers into the heated oil by putting yours fingers upside down. Either the batter comes off easily if there was enough water on your fingers or you can push it down the sides gently and the batter falls into the oil.

8) Once in the oil start making other fritters and fry multiples at a time till golden brown on both sides.

9) Once golden brown, take the fritters out and soak out the extra oil on tissue towels. Bon appetite! Enjoy with your favourite chutney or sambhar (lentil curry).