Ambode or Masala vada is basically lentil based hot, fried snack. Soaked chana dal is ground to rough paste with few spices and deep fried to get golden brown fritters.The crispy crunchy vada with aroma of fresh herbs and spices makes this vada a special treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They are also served as an accompaniment with sambar rice in South India during festivals, which is prepared without adding onions.

Preparation time – 10 min

Soaking time for  gram dal – 20 min

Cooking time – 5 to 7 min

Serves – 4

Ingredients – 

Chana dal – 2 cup

Dill leaves – 1 bunch chopped

Coriander – 1 bunch chopped

Mint – 1 small bunch (optional)

Curry leaves – 2 springs chopped

Asofietida – 1 pinch

Cooking soda – 1 pinch

Salt

To grind –

Soaked gram dal

Green chilies – 4 to 5 no’s

Ginger – 1 inch

Procedure to make or to prepare Ambode – 

Rinse chana dal once or twice in water and soak for 20 min. After soaking drain the water in it and keep ready.

Add ginger and green chilies in a mixer jar, make a paste without adding water into it, add soaked and drained chana dal, salt and make a coarse paste without adding water to it, divide/grind it in two or three batches,if you grind in a mixer jar OR  if you grind in a wet grinder put altogether together and grind to a coarse paste without adding water into it.

Collect grounded mixture in a bowl, add chopped herbs, salt a pinch of asofietida(hing) and a pinch of cooking soda. Mix it thoroughly. The consistency should be like a patty.

Heat oil in a kadai, when it is hot take a portion, Prepare lime sized balls out of the prepared mixture. Pat them gently (just like a patty for burgers) using the fingers on your palm, , remove the patties carefully, slide them in oil. Cook it on a medium heat until golden brown on both the sides.

Drain it on a paper towel & repeat the procedure with the remaining mixture.

Serve it warm as a starter with chutney or with rice & a side dish or enjoy as an evening snack with a cup of tea or coffee.