Vada with Chutney

Overview
Fritters called Vada made with all kinds of lentils are very common in India. This one is made with Urdu Dal is a very common one in Kerala. This goes very well with coconut chutney. Idli's and Vada is a very common South Indian Breakfast combination. It can be served as an appetizer too

Ingredients
Two cups Urdu Dal(Black Lentils) soaked
Ginger 1 inch finely chopped
Curry leaves 3 sprigs finely chopped
Green chill 3 finely chopped
Red onion 1/2 finely chopped
Fresh crushed Black pepper 1/4 teaspoons
Salt to taste
Oil to deep fry

Coconut chutney
Fresh grated coconut - 1/2 cup
ginger 1/4 inch piece
shallots 2
Green chilly 2 - 3
Coriander leaves - 1/4 cup chopped

Grind the above ingredients for chutney in a blender with warm water and salt to a smooth paste.

Garnish for chutney
Olive oil 2- tablespoons
Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Curry leaves 1 sprig
Whole dry red chilly  2 - cut into pieces

Heat oil in a pan and when the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds. When the seeds splutter add the red chilly pieces and curry leaves and mic well. turn off the heat and add this to the coconut chutney.

Steps
1. Soak the Dal in plenty of water for 3 - 4 hours. Drain and grind in a food processor with out much water. If you add water and grind in a blender the Vada would soak up too much oil. Make a smooth paste and keep aside

2. Add chopped onions, green chilly, Curry leaves, pepper and salt to this and mix well.

3. Heat oil in pan to deep fry the Vadas.

4. Dip your hands in water take a small ball of the dough you made the size of a lime and make a hole in the center to shape it as a vada and carefully put it in the hot oil to fry.

5. Fry both sides till golden brown and serve hot with Coconut Chutney