Vadacurry

Ingredients:

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• Chana dal/kadala parupu - 100 grams
• onions - 2 medium sized,very finely chopped
• curry leaves - 3 sprigs,finely chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Star anise - 2 small
• cloves - 1
• cinnamon - a half inch stick
• saunf - 1/2 tsp
• Jeera - 1/2 tsp
• tomatoes - 2 medium sized,finely chopped
• mint leaves - 1 handful
• ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp
• green chillies - 2,slit open
• turmeric powder - A pinch
• coriander powder - 2 tsp
• Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Fresh coriander leaves - 1 handful
• Ghee - 2 tsp
• Cashews - 5 to 6,broken

Method:

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• Wash chana dal well and soak in water for 2 hours.
• Drain excess water and set aside in a colander for 5 min.

• Add the soaked dal, little salt in a mixer and just pulse once /twice ...The consistency should be like a vada(coarse).Do not grind into a paste and do not add water.
• Add half of chopped onions,curry leaves and mix well.
• Tap into round flat vadas and keep in idly plates.
• Steam for 10 minutes.

• Set aside the steamed dal mixture to cool down to room temperature.
• Break down the vada into small crumbles and set aside.

• Heat oil in a kadai.Add the whole spices(star anise,cloves,cinnamon,saunf,jeera) and when it splutters,add rest of onions,green chillies,ginger-garlic paste,mint leaves and saute till the onions turn transparent.
• Add tomatoes,turmeric powder,red chilli powder,coriander powder and saute till the raw smell goes off.
• Add 2 cups of water and salt.Mix well and allow it to boil.
• When it boils,add the dal crumbles and mix well.Adjust the quantity of water if required.
• Let it cook on a medium flame for 5 min.The consistency should be thick as shown in the picture.
• Heat ghee in a tadka pan,add cashews and roast till it turns golden brown.
• Garnish with roasted cashews and ghee and coriander leaves.

Serve with dosa/Idly.