How to Make Indian style Vadai?

Vadais are a type of fried snack popular in South India. Here is a recipe for making them:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 dried red chili peppers
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chana dal and soak it in water for at least 1 hour.
2. Drain the dal and transfer it to a blender. Add the water, salt, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and dried red chili peppers to the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Transfer the dal mixture to a bowl and stir in the onion, carrot, and cilantro.
4. Heat a large pan with oil over medium heat.
5. Wet your hands and shape the dal mixture into small, flat patties.
6. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Remove the vadais from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel.
8. Serve the vadais hot, with chutney or sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy!