Ambode / Masala Vada

Ambode or masala vada , a perfect festive or evening fried snack . Made with channa dal and spiced with chillies.

Ingredients 

Makes about 25 small ones

2 cups channa dal

2 medium onions , finely chopped 

3-4 green chillies , finely chopped 

1/2 cup fresh coconut, grated

1 teaspoon hing/asafoetida 

salt to taste

oil for frying 

little water to grind

Method 

• soak channa dal overnight with lots of water.
• drain the water using a colander.
• in a mixer, add the channa dal and coconut ,grind into a coarse paste.
• there is no need to us water to grind, but it the dal is too dry then use 2-3 tablespoons of water. Not more.
• in a big bowl , add the ground channa dal , green chillies, hing , salt and onions.
• mix everything well and rest for 10 mins.
• the onions will ooze out water because of the salt.
• heat oil , when the oil is hot set it to medium .
• shape a small lemon sized mixture into a cutlet. Should not be too thick .
• drop it into hot oil.
• fry on medium heat until golden brown.
• repeat the same for rest of the mixture.
• serve hot.

Note – the vadas need to be fried in medium hot oil , else the inside will be raw.

You can add chopped dill leaves. Gives a very good taste.