Dahi Vada

My Favorite Yummmy Lentil Dumpling in Yogurt sauce

Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
1 cup moong dal (yellow lentils), washed
1/4 cup urad dal(white lentils)(Basically i take 1:4 ratio)
1 green chile
1 inch (2.5 cm) piece peeled fresh ginger
Pinch of asafetida
Salt to taste
Oil for deep-frying
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Garnish: 2 Tablespoons tamarind chutney

For the Yogurt Sauce:
2 cups fat-free plain yogurt
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt


Preparation:
Soak both the dal (lentils) in water atleast for about 6 hours(i usually soak it in night). Drain the dal.

In a food processor/blender, grind together the dal, green chile, ginger, asafetida. if necessary add a tablespoon of water to make the blending easier, (try to avoid adding water). Place the mixture in a bowladd lil salt and whisk as much as u can,this will make the dumplings softer and fluffier.The more u whisk more softer it will be.
TIP:Way to check that it whisk well is drop a lil mixture in the bowl of water if it comes up fully then its done and if its still half in water n half out of water u need to whisk it more

Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat. Drop a teaspoon of the dal mixture into the oil; if it rises to the top immediately, the oil is ready. Working in batches and not crowding the dumplings, place a tablespoon of the dal mixture in the oil and fry, turning, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Drain the dumplings on paper towels. Repeat until all the dal mixture is used up.

Soak the dumplings in a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, water, salt until smooth.

Drain the dumplings. Squeeze each one between the palms of your hands to remove excess water. Do not squeeze too much

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds, stirring frequently, untl fragrant and dark brown it will take about 1 minute.

In a serving dish, arrange the dumplings in rows. Pour the yogurt sauce over the dumplings. Garnish with the cumin seeds, and the tamarind chutney.Recipe for tamarind chutney is here...
Serve it in a chat party or serve with main course..