Dhal Vade

• 14 ounces yellow split peas or chana dal
• 3 tablespoons crushed red chilies (I like to use a milder variety, such as Kashmir chilies)
• 4 shallots (about 6oz), minced
• 1/3 cup loose curry leaves
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• Salt
• Oil for frying

1. Soak the split peas in cold water for about 4-6 hours. Drain the soaked peas in a colander. Divide the split peas into two equal parts. Process the first part in the food processor into a smooth paste. Process the second part in the food processor into a chunky paste. Mix. (Sometimes I reserve a handful of whole peas, and throw them into the mix for extra chunkiness.)
2. Crush the curry leaves. In a large bowl mix the peas, curry leaves, chilies, shallots, ginger and salt. Mix well. Add the chickpea flour and work it into the dough with your hands.
3. Pour enough oil into a deep bottom pan and heat over medium-high heat, until hot but not smoking. Reduce the heat to medium. Take a golf-ball size amount of the vade mixture, and form about 1/2 inch thick patty. Deep fry the vade until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the vades to paper towels to drain. Vades stay crispy for a long time, and you do not have to rush to serve right away.

peas, red chilies, shallots, curry, chickpea flour, ginger, salt

Taken from food52.com/recipes/21186-dhal-vade (may not work)