Masala vadai(Dal vadai)

Ingredients

• Bengal Gram (Channa Dal/ Kadala Paruppu) - 2 cups
• Oil - for deep frying
• Salt - to taste
• Asafoetida - 1/8 tsp
• Curry Leaves - 2 springs
• Fennel Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Dry Red Chillies - 3-4
• Ginger - a small piece
• Garlic - 2-3 cloves 
• Onion - 1 big (chopped)

Method

1. Wash and soak the Bengal gram in water for at least half an hour. It is better if you are able to soak for an hour or 2.
2. Drain the water completely. Take the soaked dal, garlic, ginger, dry red chillies, curry leaves, salt and fennel seeds in a blender/ mixie. 
3. Pulse it a few times till the mixture is partially ground. We need some texture in the batter. Do not add any water. The dal must have absorbed enough water for grinding.
4. Heat oil for deep frying in a frying pan.
5. Mix the chopped onions (if needed) with the vada batter.
6. Take a small ball of the batter and flatten it between your palm. 
7. Drop the flattened vada into the hot oil and fry till it becomes golden brown.