Aamb Vade/ Masala Vade, (Split chickpea patties)

This snack is generally made during festivals in our household. A spicy, crunchy treat for the taste buds, this will surely leave you wanting more... Certainly not a very diet food, as it is deep fried, good for indulgence. Do not get disappointed, there is a very healthy version of this which i will be posting shortly. Every dieter needs a break and this will certainly help them find one. Everyone makes this differently in India, but the method is basically the same. A healthier steamed version is called nuchhina unde, for which i have given the recipe in the post above.Here goes the recipe for ambvade...

Prep time: 15 minutes

cook time : 30 to 45 minutes

Pieces: 12 to 18 approx... depends on how big you make the patties.

Ingredients:

1. Split chickpeas (chana dal) - 1 1/2 cup.

2. Green Chillies - 7 to 8 (use less or more, as hot you want to make 'em)

3. Ginger root - 1 inch piece roughly chopped

4. Curry Leaves - 1 string

5 Cilantro - a handful 

6. Dill weed - a handful (Optional)

7. Fresh/Frozen coconut - 1/2 cup (do not use if using onion)

8. Onion - 1 small finely chopped (do not use if using coconut) 

9. Salt - to taste

Method:

1. Wash and soak split chickpeas atleast for 5 hours or overnight. Drain the water from it, store some water for grinding. Do not use all the water for grinding, first, put it in without water and try to grind, if you can not, then add a tsp full of water and try. use very less water.

2. Grind all the above ingredients except salt and the split chickpeas together coarsely, very important not to make a smooth paste out of it. Use a food processor not the blender to gain the right consistency.Now add salt, mix well and taste to see if it is right.

3. Heat oil in wok in which it can be deep fried on medium heat. To know if oil has heated to the right temperature, just drop a bit of the dough, if it rises to the surface, oil is ready.

4. Make small balls of the ground dough, roughly about the size of a lime. Put the ball in the middle of your palm and press it gently to form a patty.

5. Gently let the patty in oil and let it fry till it turns golden brown. You may fry a few patties together depending on how much the wok can accommodate.

6. Drain 'em on a paper towel, CAUTION, let 'em cool before you put them in your mouth, then, eat 'em up.

Tip:

1. If the patties are falling apart, do not panic and add water. Instead, sprinkle a little chickpea flour on the dough, mix it thoroughly and try making a patty. If it still does not hold the shape try adding some more flour, mix well and make a patty. If you do not have chickpea flour on hand, you can use all purpose flour. Same rule applies, if they break when you put them into oil for frying.

2. You can add spinach and any other greens as you please.. it turns out good usually. 

Serving Suggestions:

Good with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup. I say, nothing at all, good old vade, tastes fab as it is :D.