Uzhundu Vada

I used to be so afraid to make this oh-so-easy snack. My fear was will I be able to make the shape. They are handmade and not cut and shaped. Practise makes perfect. I have uploaded a video of how I made the 'hole' in the vada. Please do check it out.

Urad Dal / Uzhundu / Black gram dal  - 2 cups, washed and soaked for 1 hour
Green chilli - 2
Salt
Ginger - 2" thick slice
Curry leaf - 10
(opt) Peppercorn - 1 tsp
Oil for deep frying

Pound the green chilli, salt, ginger , peppercorns and curry leaf together and keep aside.
Grind the dal into a thick batter with very less water.
Now mix the pounded ingredients with the dal and mix well.

Keep the oil for frying in a deep vessel.
Wet your hands and take a small ball of the batter and spread on to the palm of the other hand.
Make a doughnut shape and put straight into the hot oil.

Fry on medium flame until golden brown on both sides.

Serve with sambar and/or coconut chutney.

Video link : http://youtu.be/vHzcto9C2cE