Ingredients:

• 1 cup – black gram (Urad) Dal
• 1 tsp – black pepper corns, crushed
• 2 tbsp – Coconut pieces, finely chopped (optional)
• salt to taste
• oil to fry

Method:

1. Soak the Dal in water for 2 hours. Drain and grind with salt to a fluffy batter, using just a sprinkling of water.
2. Add pepper and optional coconut.
3. Heat oil for deep-frying, till it is moderately hot.
4. Take a piece of plastic sheet and grease it lightly with oil.
5. Place about 3 tbsp of the Vadai mixture on it.
6. Flatten to a disc, about 1/2 cm thick.
7. Make a depression in the centre with your forefinger.
8. Transfer it carefully into the oil.
9. Shape 3 or 4 more Vadas and drop into the oil.
10. Fry on moderate heat till the Vadas are cooked and golden brown.
11. Well-made medu Vadas are soft and spongy with a thin crisp skin.