Zainab Khanam
– 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram) – 2 green chilies (finely chopped) – 1 small onion (finely chopped) – A handful of curry leaves – 1 tsp cumin seeds – Salt to taste – Oil for frying
Rinse and soak chana dal in water for 2-3 hours. Drain and keep aside.
Coarsely grind the dal in a blender without adding too much water. The texture should remain slightly chunky.
Transfer the ground dal to a bowl. Add chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix well.
Take small portions of the mixture, shape them into flat rounds, and set aside.
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the vadas on medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with coconut chutney or spicy ketchup. Pair with a cup of chai for the perfect snack time!