Masal Vadai / Spicy Lentil Fritters

 When I think of " Vadai", this type of vadai only comes to my mind. I am talking about "Masal Vadai". I am really fond of this vadai and when we were in Chennai, hubby used to get it from a "paati" who used to make it roadside near the house. Every weekend, he would go get a parcel and come. Still I remember the taste of those vadas- Spicy, tasty and crunchy. Miss that paati's vadais . 
Now I have started making my own vadais , though I get compliment from Hubby still he prefers Urad dhal fritters more. But I shy away from making them because i never get that perfect dough nut shape. That is another story. For any festival or just for a snack, this spicy lentil fritters are really great, just warms up your mood.

Masal Vadai

What are the ingredients needed?

Channa dhal/ Kadala Paruppu/ Split chick peas, 1 cup

Dried Red chillies, 2- 3 nos.

Fennel seeds, 1 tsp

Garlic, 2-3 cloves

Ginger, 2" 

Curry leaves- 2 sprigs

Onions(sliced)- 1 cup

Asafoetida, a pinch

Salt, to taste

Masal Vadai for Tea time

How it is made?

1. Soak channa dhal for atleast an hour.
2. Then grind the soaked dhal with fennel seeds, red chillies, garlic, and ginger into a coarse paste.
3. Then transfer the ground dhal mixture into a bowl and add sliced onions, curry leaves, a pinch of asafoetida and salt and mix them till they are fully incorporated.
4. In a skillet, heat oil and shape the mixture as patties and deep fry them in batches.
5. Once they start turning golden brown, remove them from oil, drain them on paper towels and Serve them hot.