Mixed Dal Vada (Mixed Lentil Fritters)

          These are simple and tasty homemade style vadas made out of mixed lentils (chana, moong, urad and masoor dal). They can be served as a great tea-time snack or as appetizers along with some green chutney or ketchup. I added some kalonji (nigella seeds) for some great flavour along with other ingredients. 

          They can also be had as a side dish along with dal-chawal (rice-lentil combo) which is my personal favourite. Any leftover vadas can be crumbled and served along with beaten yoghurt, red & green chutney, sev, etc as an excellent chaat snack. 

• 2 tbsp. moong dal (split green gram)
• 2 tbsp. chana dal (Bengal gram)
• 2 tbsp. urad dal (split black gram)
• 2 tbsp. masoor dal (red lentil)
• salt to taste
• 2 fresh red chilies, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. kalonji (nigella seeds)
• oil to deep fry

          Soak the lentils for two hours. Drain and grind without any water to a slightly coarse paste. Mix with all the other ingredients, except oil and keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonful of the batter. Deep fry them few at a time on a low flame till golden in colour. 

           Drain on a kitchen towel and serve them hot with green chutney or ketchup.