Desai vada with greens and coriander chutney

Ingredients:

Lentils

• 1/4 cup Indian lentils (chana dal)
• 1/4 cup white lentils (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup white rice
• 1/4 cup plant-based yogurt
• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup sorghum flour
• 0.5 cup whole grain flour
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh fenugreek leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3 Thai chili peppers, chopped
• 0.5 cm ginger root, peeled and grated
• 1 tsp safflower oil or grapeseed oil + extra for deep frying

Cilantro Chutney

• 3 cups chopped cilantro
• 3/4 cup toasted split chickpeas (dalia)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 0.5 tsp crushed Thai chili pepper (bird's eye)
• 1/4 cup ice
• Special equipment: deep-fry thermometer, slotted spoon

Preparation:

1. Rinse the lentils and rice, then drain. Place them in a large bowl, cover, and leave in the oven with the light on for 10–12 hours. The mixture will begin to ferment in the water.
2. Drain and rinse the lentils and rice, then drain again. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl, then add the yogurt and lemon juice. Add the sorghum flour, whole-wheat flour, fenugreek, cilantro, sugar, turmeric, baking soda, chili pepper, ginger, 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/4 cup water; season with salt and knead into a wet dough. Set aside.
3. In a large cast-iron pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, heat 4 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Using a spoon, form small balls of dough and deep-fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Serve with chutney.
   
   Cilantro Chutney:
   
   Combine cilantro, chickpeas, cumin, ginger, lemon juice, sugar, chili pepper, ice, and 1/4 cup water in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Season with salt and transfer to a serving bowl.