Vada [Fried Bean Patties]

• 1 c Urad Daal [Black Lentils]
• 2 tb Flour; or more
• 1 sm Onion; chopped
• 1 Chile pepper; chopped
• 1 ts Chili powder
• 1 ts Salt
• 1 ts Powdered ginger
• 1 /4 ts Baking soda

Soak urad daal using the quick soak method until softened. In a

blender grind the daal [dal] with enough soaking water to make a

thick, coarse paste. Add a little flour if the paste is to thin to

form patties. Add the other ingredients, mix and let sit for a few

minutes and up to an hour.

Fry small spoonfuls of the mixture, either as balls or as flattened

patties in hot oil.

Jim Weller