Medu Vada (South Indian Savory Lentil Donut)

Wash and soak urad dal for 6 hours. Grind into a fine paste.

Add salt, asafoetida, curry leaves, cumin powder, and crushed peppercorns to the batter and mix well.

Heat oil in a kadai.

Wet your palms and take batter into the palms.

Shape into balls and make a hole with the thumb in the centre like a doughnut.

Deep-fry this in medium-hot oil until golden brown and crisp.

Serve hot with sambhar and coconut chutney.