Medu Vada

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups urad dal, soaked 4 hours
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 15 curry leaves, chopped
• 2 green chillies
• Oil to fry

Method

1. Drain the dal completely and grind with almost no water — a spoon at a time only. The batter must be thick and fluffy, not runny.
2. Whip it by hand for 2 minutes. Drop a bit in water; if it floats, it's ready.
3. Fold in cumin, pepper, ginger, curry leaves, chillies and salt just before frying.
4. Wet your palm, take a ball, flatten it, make a hole with your thumb.
5. Slide into medium-hot oil. Too hot and the inside stays raw.
6. 6-7 minutes till deep golden. Coconut chutney and sambar.