Medhu Vada / Garelu

Ingredients:

• 4 cups urad dal
• 1 cup ordinary rice
• 1 tsp. ginger grated
• 1 tbsp. coconut grated coarsely
• 8-10 whole pepper corns
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• salt to taste
• oil to deep fry

Method:

• Wash and soak dal and rice together in plenty of water overnight. Drain, grind to a soft batter, a fine grain should be felt in it.
• Do not make the batter thin. It should be thick enough to shape vadas.
• Add all ingredients and beat well with hand to incorporate air.
• Heat oil, wet palm and take an idli sized lump on fingers palm side up.
• Make a hole in the middle with thumb.
• Slip gently into hot oil, repeat for more.
• Or use a medhu vada press.
• Fry 5-6 at a time on medium flame.
• Drain, serve hot with chutney and sambar, or accompany with idli.