Parippu vada

Ingredients:

Toor Dal / Channa Dal - 1 cup
Shallots - 4-5, chopped
Green chilly - 2-3 , chopped
Curry leaves-  1 sprig, chopped
Asafoetida - a pinch
Red chilly powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Wash and soak dal for 2-3 hours. Drain the dal completely and grind it in a mixie for few seconds or for 2-3 pulses. Make sure you do not add any water and also do not make a smooth paste of it.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the grinded dal, chopped shallots, green chilly, curry leaves, asafoetida, chilly powder and salt . Mix it well and make small balls of it.
3. Heat oil in a deep bottom pan.  Once the oil it hot, slightly flatten the ball with your palms and add it to the oil. Fry it till both sides turns golden brown. Drain the vadas into a paper towel.

Serve hot along with hot tea!!

Notes:
-  Using coconut oil enhances the taste of parippu vada.
-  Wet your hands before flattening the balls. Also flatten the balls just before adding it to the oil.