A crunchy snack is what goes best with hot tea in the evening. Even though parippu vada, or dal fritter, is a favourite of many, the snack is notorious for making you gassy. So, instead of regular parippu vada, make this ladies' finger-dal fritter that is crispy and tasty too.

Ingredients 2-3 ladies' fingers (okra) 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas) or toor dal 1 medium onion (finely chopped) 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped) 1-inch piece of ginger (grated or finely chopped) A handful of curry leaves (finely chopped) 1-2 dried red chilies (crushed) 1 tsp rice flour 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt (to taste) Coconut oil (for deep frying) Preparation Wash the dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2-3 hours After soaking, drain the water completely. In a food processor or mixer, grind the soaked dal coarsely without adding any water The mixture should be thick and coarse, with some whole dal pieces remaining for texture Transfer the ground dal to a mixing bowl Add the chopped ladies' finger, finely chopped onion, green chillies, grated ginger, curry leaves, crushed dried red chillies, asafoetida, turmeric powder, rice flour, and salt. Mix everything well to combine Mix everything well to combine Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying Carefully slide a few vadas into the h.