Here's how to make crispy South Indian Dal Vada at home in just 7 easy steps.

Soak the dal, rinse and soak chana dal in water for 3–4 hours, then drain completely.

Grind coarsely, in a grinder, pulse chana dal and dry red chilies into a coarse paste without adding water.

Mix the spices, transfer the paste to a bowl and mix in onions, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, fennel seeds, black pepper, and salt.

Shape the vadas, take small portions, flatten them into round discs using your palms.

Heat the oil, heat oil in a deep pan over medium flame for frying.

Fry until crispy, drop the vadas carefully into hot oil and fry in batches until golden brown and crispy.

Drain & serve, remove from oil, drain excess oil on paper towels, and serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.