Parippu Vada/ Masala Vada

This is a favorite snack of most South Indians. It has many names I guess. We call it Parippu vada in Kerala my native place. It is made out of Channa Dhaal mainly. You need to soak it in water for 2-3 hours and then grind it along with a few other ingredients before cooking.

 Ingredients:

1: Channa dhaal/ Kadala Parippu                                      - 2-3  cups( washed n soaked for 2-3 hrs )

2: Dry red chilly                                                                 -8-10 numbers

3: Curry leaves                                                                 -2- 3 sprigs

4: Ginger:                                                                         - one small piece( not necessary)

5: Asafoetida/ Hing/Perunkaayam/ kaayam                        - 2 tbsp

6: Fennel seeds/ Perum jeerakam/Sombu                          -3 tbsp

7:Salt                                                                               - 2 tbsp or as required

 Grind:

Coarsely grind all the above ingredients without adding any water.

 To Cut and mix in:

1: Onion:                                                                                    -1 whole onion, finely cut

2: Cilantro/coriander leaves:                                                         -1/2 a bunch, cut                     

3: Curry leaves                                                                              1 sprig, cut


Add all these into the ground mixture and check for salt.

To Fry:

 Heat enough oil in a deep pan for frying. As the oil comes to boil, take a little of the Vada mixture and ball it, then flatten it out like small cookies and drop one by one into the oil for frying. As one side slightly browns, turn all the Vadas to the other side for cooking. The finished product would be golden to dark brown. This spicy vada goes well with tea or coffee, especially on a rainy day..enjoy.