Aambode [Snacks]

About:

Aambode / Am bade / Chattambade are all the different Kannada names for our good old Dal Vada!!! This one is popular all over India and can also be made in different ways, using different ingredients. In Karnataka it is usually made during festivals and other special occasions. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Chana Dal soaked in water for about 3-4 hours

  • 1/2 Big Onion chopped finely (Omit this, if it is for a festival or God's naivedyam) 

  • 2 Green chilies low spiced

  • 1/2 tsp Red chili powder 

  • A pinch of HING

  • 3-4 Curry leaves, chopped finely

  • 1/2 tbsp Grated Coconut, fresh/frozen (optional)

  • 1 tbsp Rice flour

  • Salt as per taste

  • Oil for deep frying 

How to prepare?
  • Pulse the green chilies in a blender until they are coarsely ground; Drain out the water completely from the soaked Dal and pulse a couple of more times; the Dal should only be coarsely ground and it should NOT become a paste. 
  • Mix all the ingredients together, except the oil. At this point you can adjust the taste according to your preference. 
  • Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan; meanwhile, take small dumplings out of the Dal mixture and flatten them in between your palms. 
  • Drop the vada into the hot oil and deep fry until it done; Make sure to keep the heat between low- medium.... If the heat is too high, the outer portions get cooked faster than the inner, and you'll end up with either burnt vada or semi-cooked vada. 
  • Once done, remove from oil and drain into paper towels. Serve hot with coconut chutney or ketchup or just as is and enjoy!

Note: While flattening the Dal mixture for deep frying, you can make it either very flat or leave it a little thick. The flatter ones turn out crisp and the thicker ones would be a little soft. So, its personal choice to make them flat or thick.

How to Serve?

Serve with tomato sauce or coconut chutney. It tastes good with tomato sauce. It usually gets served as a side dish with veg biriyani.

Health statement:
Chana Dal can be a good food for people with diabetes because it has a low glycemic index. The fiber in Chana Dal can also help control cholesterol levels and promote a healthy digestive tract.