Parippu Vada

Parippu Vada is a traditional South Indian snack made with sambar dal. Whenever I think of making some South Indian evening snack for tea for my North Indian friends, parippu vada is the first thing that comes to my mind. It is a popular street food which is served with tea even in small thattukadas(dhabha) in Kerala. Basic info about the recipe Cuisine - South Indian Serves - 3-4 people. Ingredients: 1. Sambar/toor dal - 1 cup 2. shallots - 6-7 nos 3. Ginger - 1 inch long piece 4. Curry leaves - 7-8 nos 5. Salt - to taste 6. Green chilli - 2 nos 7. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp 8. Oil - as required. Method:- Soak the dal for an hour. Drain the excess water and grind for a minute without adding water to form a coarse mixture. Mix the finely chopped vegetables and turmeric and salt to the mixture. Check salt at this stage by tasting the mixture. Wet your hands with water. Make small balls of the paste. Flatten it using your palms and drop in hot oil. Deep fry the vadas till golden brown flipping both sides in between. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Serve hot. Note- Some people does not like to chew ginger, green chilli and onions. They can grind everything together. If you are making for children, you can avoid green chillies and add chilli powder. Sometimes, I add coriander leaves or pudina alongwith curry leaves. Instead of shallots, you can add onions. Adding a pinch of asafoetida will prevent acidity arising from the consumption of dal.