Medhu Vada or Lentil Croquettes

Directions

1. Wash and Soak the Urad daal for 6-8hrs or overnight.
2. Drain off the excess water and Grind the urad daal , preferably without any water (as we require a thick batter)
3. If the grinder gets stuck while grinding, add little water and scrape the sides and grind again. [ Grinding to batter to a thick form is the most importnant part of making the vada, it should not be watery ]
4. If the batter becomes slightly watery, add some rava or rice flour to make the batter more firm and whisk it well (it helps to add some crunch to the vada and whisking it helps to make the batter smooth)
5. Once you obtain a nice thick paste, add salt, chopped ginger, green chillies, onions , curry leaves and peppercorns. ( I added little red chilli powder for extra spice), but you may add the extra optional ingredients as per your taste.
6. Heat the oil in a pan for deep frying.
7. Wet both hands with water, use a spoon and scoop out 1tbsp of the batter and place it on your left hand.
8. Again wet your right hand fingers and using your Index finger to make a smooth hole in the centre of the scooped batter (like a doughnut)
9. Transfer the batter to your right hand (it should easily fall off due to the water on your hands) and then drop it into the oil carefully.
10. Continue to do so for the remaining batter.
11. Fry until golden brown or if you like it a bit more crunchier , fry until it turns a mild brown.
12. Drain any excess oil on a paper towel.
13. Suggestion: If making the doughnut shape is not working for you, you may simply drop the scoop of batter directly into the Oil, like small dumplings. Its tastes just the same :-)
14. Serve hot with chutney or Sambar. Enjoy!