Chana dal vadai (deep-fried yellow split pea doughnuts with dill)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washed chana dal (yellow split peas)
• 1 clove of garlic
• A piece of ginger 0.5 cm long.
• 1 hot green chili pepper, stem removed
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2-3 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
• 10-15 fresh curry leaves (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Preparation:

1. Cover the dal with enough water and let it sit for 2 hours. Drain. In a food processor, puree the garlic, ginger, and chili pepper.
   
   Add the strained dal and process again, adding 1/4 cup water to form a fairly smooth paste. Be careful not to add too much water, otherwise the doughnuts won't hold their shape.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the onion, dill, curry leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   
   Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Using your fingers, form walnut-sized balls of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil, drizzling a little oil over the doughnuts to help them set.
   
   When the bottoms are lightly browned, carefully flip the donuts and fry the other side. Cook for a few minutes, until they're lightly golden brown all over. Place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and serve hot.