Ambode (Masala Vade)

Ingredients:

Chana dal 2 cups
Onion finely chopped ¼ - ½ cup (optional)
Green chilies 4-5
Curry leaves 10
Coriander leaves (chopped) ½ cup
Pudina ¼ cup (optional)
Grated coconut 3-4 tsp
Ginger finely chopped 1-2 tsp
Asafoetida pinch
Salt
Oil

Method:

1. Wash and soak chana dal for 2-3 hrs and drain well.

2. Grind soaked chana dal along with chopped ginger, green
chilies, curry leaves, pudina, coriander leaves, grated
coconut, asafoetida and salt into coarse paste WITHOUT
ADDING WATER.

3. Transfer it to a large bowl.  Add chopped onion and mix
well.

4. Heat oil for deep frying in a frying pan.

5. Make small balls from the paste and pat them by using
fingers to make disc shape. Slowly put them in oil one by
one and deep fry on medium heat. [4-6 can be fried at a
time]

6. Once they turn slightly golden, flip the discs and cook
the other side. When the discs/Ambode turns golden brown on
both the sides, remove from oil and place them on paper
towel.[Repeat this step]

7. Crispy Ambodes are ready to serve.

Note: You can also add chopped dill leaves or methi(fenugreek) leaves.