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South Indian Dahi Vada

These spicy Indian “donuts” make a great appetizer or snack. They are served with spiced yogurt.

1/2 cup split black lentils – uraad dal
1/2 cup green lentils – moong dal
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin, toasted and ground
1 medium green chile, finely diced
1 cup Oil for frying
1/4 cup Milk
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper – to taste
1 cup Yogurt – plain
6 small Curry leaves – finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger root – crushed

Clean dal, wash and soak in water for 4 hours. Blend in blender at medium speed using minimum water to keep paste moving freely. Add salt, cumin, and chilies.

Then start heating the oil, it needs to be quite hot. Drop large spoonfuls of batter into your hand. Form in traditional “donut” shape. Fry till golden brown. Drop fried Vadas in water. Let it soak 3 to 4 minutes or until ready to serve. Beat yogurt with milk. Add pepper, curry leaves, and ginger according to taste.

Some people add mint or mango chutney to this as well. If you prefer it sweeter add a bit of Stevia. Squeeze out water from the vada and pour spiced yogurt over the top.

Garnish with cilantro leaves and some shredded carrot.

Makes about 12 dumplings and about 1 1/2 cups if sauce.

- Jack