Parippu Vada (Lentil Fritters)

Ingredients

• Chana dal - 250 g
• Green chilies - 10 whole
• Shallots - 12 whole
• Ginger - 2 whole
• Curry leaves
• Salt
• Oil

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in plenty of water for 2-3 hours.
2. 2Drain the dal well, then grind it in a food processor or wet grinder into a coarse, thick paste; do not add water while grinding.
3. 3Finely chop the shallots and green chilies and mince the ginger; remove any thick stalks from the curry leaves and keep them ready.
4. 4Fold the chopped shallots, green chilies, ginger and curry leaves into the dal paste, season with salt, and mix until everything is evenly combined.
5. 5Wet your palms, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls, then flatten each ball gently into a round patty.
6. 6Heat oil in a deep pan until hot, then carefully slide in the patties in batches and deep-fry them until they are golden brown in color and crisp.
7. 7Transfer the fried vadas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then serve hot with ketchup and a cup of tea.
8. 8Optional: serve with coconut chutney for a traditional touch.