A great North Indian starter. Basically, dahi vadas are lentil (urad dal) based savory balls which are dipped in frothy fresh curds and sprinkled with spices like chilli powder, cumin powder, black salt with a tangy-sweet tamarind chutney.

Ingredients:

1 cup of urad dal
A pinch of asafoetida powder
2 green chillies(finely chopped)
1 inch ginger(finely chopped)
Dry fruits like cashews,raisins(if desired)
2 cups of curd
Cumin Powder
Red chilli powder
Black salt(if desired)
Salt according to taste
Coriander leaves
Oil for frying

Method:

Soak the urad dal for 5-6 hours after washing.
Grind the dal to a fine paste.(Do not put too much of water for grinding)
Add asafoetida powder to the paste.
Put oil in vessel and heat it.
Take a wet cloth and put one spoon of paste on it.Flatten it with wet hands to make a circular shape.
Put some chilli,ginger and dry fruits in the centre and fold the cloth to make a semi-circle of the paste.
Now take the semi-circular batter on your fingers and put it in the oil for frying.(Wetten your fingers before picking up the batter to avoid sticking to your hand)
Fry it till it turns light brown and put it in cold water.
Now whip the curd and add salt,chilli powder,cumin powder and black salt if desired.
Take the vada out of water after it softens pressing it with hand to remove extra water.
Sprinkle some cumin powder and red chilli powder and serve chilled with sweet tamarind and jaggery chutney.