Moong Dal Vada: Indian Savory Lentil Fritters

There are a lot of different Indian snacks that go by the name vada, a fried savory snack. Moong dal vada is a crispy, protein-rich and delicious evening tea time snacks made from whole green lentils and chana dal. For additional flavors, chopped curry leaves or coriander leaves or spinach or shredded carrot can be added to the batter. Serve this vada with coconut chutney or green chutney. 

MOONG DAL VADA: INDIAN SAVORY LENTIL FRITTERS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup whole green lentils
• 1/4 cup chana dal/split Bengal lentils
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilis, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt, to taste
• A pinch of asafoetida, onion powder, or garlic powder
• Oil, for deep-frying

PREPARATION

1. Combine whole green lentils and chana dal in a bowl. Fill it with enough water and soak them overnight. Next day, drain the water completely and grind them in a mixer to coarse paste. Do not add water while grinding.
2. Transfer the paste to a bowl. Add chopped onions, chilis, ginger-garlic paste, asafoetida, and salt to taste. Mix well everything and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed kadai or wok. Once the oil is hot, make small balls of the vada batter and drop in hot oil carefully. Fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove them carefully from oil and drain the excess oil using absorbent tissue paper. Serve hot with coconut chutney.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/moong-dal-vada-indian-savory-lentil-fritters/