Masala Vada

I had no intentions of getting into the kitchen after I had made breakfast. I was pleased that I had finished most work and it was still early in the day. Then the doorbell rang and my neighbour handed me a tray with goodies. It was a festival here and she had these freshly prepared homemade items that she wanted to share. I thanked her profusely. And then was in a dilemma. It was almost a Old Mother Hubbard situation and the cupboard was quite bare. I went online scanned for the things I could make with what was available. Here is what I returned in her tray.

Masala Vada - A dish similar to falafel.
Ingredients:
Split Chick pea ( Bengal gram dal) – 1 cup ( soaked for at least half hour and drained)
Green chillies – 2
Red chillies – 2
Ginger – small piece ( optional)
Cinnamon – a small piece ( optional)
Onion – 1 finely diced.
Curry leaves and coriander leaves – few finely chopped.
Oil for deep frying.

Grind coarsely the soaked and drained channa dhal with the cinnamon, ginger and chillies
If you are making a large quantity, grind 2/3 portion coarsely and 1/3 to a fine paste. This will help to bind the mixture better.
Add chopped onion, curry and coriander leaves, salt to the ground mixture.
Add salt to taste.
Mix well and then shape into balls, and flatten them slightly.
Heat oil and fry these chick pea dumplings till golden brown.
( Caution - When the dumplings are placed in oil, do not touch them immediately, allow them to be in the hot oil for at least 2 minutes before you try and turn them over, otherwise they may come apart in the oil.)
Eat hot with chutney, sauce or pickle.


The tray that I took back looked like this. Masala Vada, Paal payasam and coconut chutney.