Crispy vada

Ingredients (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml)2 cups urad dal1 tsp cumin seeds1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 or 2 sprig curry leaves, chopped1 onion, finely chopped (optional)1 or 2 green chili, chopped1 tbsp chopped ginger cup chopped coconut pieces (optional)few sprigs of coriander leaves, chopped (optional)salt to tasteoil for deep fryingsome water if needed to make the batter

Instructions1.soak the urad dal for 4 hours or overnight.2.grind the soaked dal to a smooth batter with little water if required.3. add adequate water so it becomes thick mix4.add the spices, herbs, onions and salt.5.heat oil.6.make the vadas with hand or vada maker which is available in market, hand is better7.gently slid the vadas in to the oil.8.the oil should be not very hot, but mediumly hot.9.you want the vadas to be cooked from inside.10.very hot oil will quickly brown the vadas from outside but they will remain uncooked from inside... so slow and steady wins the race here :-)11.fry all the medu vadas this way till they become evenly browned and crisp.12.drain medu vadas on kitchen tissue to remove excess oil.13.serve the medu vadas, with sambar and coconut chutney.