Masala Vada

1 cup channa dal
1/4 cup urad dal
4 dried red chilies
1/2 med onion
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 serrano peppers
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
1 cup loose packed cilantro, chopped

1. Wash and soak the dals separately for 4-6 hrs.

2. Break the dried chilies into two or three and add 1/3 c warm water and let it soak.

3. Mince the onions, you should have 1/2-3/4 cup. Mince the green chilies.

4. Drain the dals. Add the urad dal, soaked red chilies and about half the soaking water to a food proc and grind until the dal is pureed almost smooth, stopping and scraping down the sides a couple of times.

5. Add half the channa and grind somewhat coarsely. Empty it into a med bowl. Grind the rest of the dal and grind coarsely, and add it to the bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients to bowl, and mix thouroughly. Scoop it into balls and fry.