Vada [fried Bean Patties]
beans, pancakes, tnt
1 cup urad daal [black lentils]
2 tablespoon flour; or more
1 small onion; chopped
1 chile pepper; chopped
1 teaspoon chili pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Soak urad daal using the quick soak method until softened. In a blender grind the daal 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 minutesand up to an hour.
Fry small spoonfuls of the mixture, either as balls or as flattened pattiesin hot oil.
Jim Weller
Yield: 3 servings