"Dhal" Fritters with Compound Flavors and 10 Complex Women who Inspire

Don't these look awesome? These savory fritters are one of my all-time favorite snacks. Crunchy and packed with compound flavors coming from some fabulous ingredients, they are a splendid treat to the taste buds. They are called "Vada","Vadi", "Vadai", "Masala Vadai", "Aama Vadai", "Parippu Vadai" etc etc and a household name in many parts of India. Enjoy them as is or douse them generously with ketchup and have at it.Come back Friday to see what I did with the leftovers.
This makes its way to Legume Love Affair held @ Ruchika Cooks,brainchild of Susan, the well seasoned cook.

Ingredients:

• Split Chickpea - 1 cup (Measuring cup), soaked for 4 hours
• Garlic - 5 cloves, small
• Clove - 2
• Cinnamon stick - 1/2 inch
• Fennel seeds - 1 1/2 tsp
• Dry Red Chilli - 2
• Green Chilli - 2-3
• Red Onion - 1, medium
• Cilantro - a few stalks, cleaned and chopped
• Salt for taste
• Corn oil for deep frying
• Lemon - juice of 1/2 lemon

Procedure:

• Grind cloves, ginger, garlic, red chilli, green chilli and the fennel seeds.
• Add the soaked split chickpea to the blender and coarsely grind with no/very little water.
• Add salt and chopped cilantro to the coarsely ground mixture.

• Add the juice of lemon and shape the mixture into small balls(this recipe yields 22 balls).
• Heat oil in a fryer pan until its almost smoking. 
• Gently pat the balls into oval patties and drop them gently into the oil.
• Cook for 2 minutes per side until they are browned and drain on paper towels.
• Repeat the above 2 steps and fry them in batches.

Makes ~20-22 fritters

10 Complex Women who I find very Inspiring(Chain Post):

1. J.K. Rowling (Writer, Harry Potter) - Endless Fascination at her boundless Imagination -Love the way she has children and adult alike entranced and drawn into her fantasy world of Harry Potter
2. Indra Nooyi (CEO, Pepsi) - A force to be reckoned with - Her brilliant acumen and determination helped her rise to the top of the American corporate ladder and earned her the name "Iron Woman"
3. Joannie Rochette (Olympic Figure Skater, Winter Olympics 2010) - Amazing Grace and courage under Pressure - Got to admire her graceful performance at the Winter Olympics 2010 Finals, just a day after her mom passed away. Bravo!
4. Nigella Lawson (British Celeb Chef and Author) - Domestic Goddess - Love her easy breezy take on cooking and the way she makes every dish look scrumptious.
5. Angelina Jolie (Actress and Goodwill Ambassador) - Sexy Siren with a Merciful Heart - Love her transformation from a wild girl to a well respected philanthropist.
6. Laura Ling (Journalist) - Gutsy Girl - Who wouldn't love this girl for her courage and bravery for stepping into North Korea and after surviving jail time for 120+ days(in North Korea) for suspected spying. She certainly has a big chunk of my admiration.
7. Dr.Kamala Selvaraj(Gyneacologist and Fertility Specialist) - The Baby Maker - I can't help but admire this woman who makes dreams come true for many infertile women.
8. Tina Fey (Comedienne) - A woman with Sharp wit - No one can beat her Witty remarks, Wise cracks and Super-quick comebacks.Its like her brain is on a roll all the time.
9. Dr.Kiran Bedi (Director General, Ministry of Home Affairs, India) -  Trial Blazer - The first woman to join the rank of IPS(Indian Police Services) who has mile long accolades given to her for her courage, gallantry and reforming many issues like Narcotics Control, VIP Security and Drug Abuse Prevention etc etc..She is truly one of a kind.
10. Celine Dion(Songstress) - She who has a voice of an Angel - When she opens her mouth, I close my eyes, enthralled by the unchained melody flowing into my ears. It is indeed a god's gift to be bestowed with such a captivating voice.

I am passing this to Mia(Bright Morning Star), Nisha(An Open Book), PJ(Ginger And Garlic), Preeti(Relishing Recipes), Sonia(Nasi Lemak Lover),Asha(Asha Oceanichope).

Thanks to Nithu for passing on this nice Tag/Post.