Prawn Vade

This is a quick and simple recipe and it's delicious! I remember as kids when we went to Galle Face in Sri lanka we never left without buying it!...it's great as a starter or a snack.

Prawns(fresh/frozen) - 250 gm
Kadalaparippu/ kadala dhal / channa dal/Split Bengal gram ) - 1 1/2 cups
Gram flour - 1/2 cup
Green chillies - 2 nos
Curry leaves - 7 - 10 leaves
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Fennel seeds - 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
Ginger - 1" piece
Garlic pods - 2 nos
Onion(large) - 1 no
(chopped finely)
Salt - to taste
Oil as required

soak the kadala parrippu (i think the direct translation would be gram dhal) over night...
it's easier to grind then ...if needed in a hurry at least soak for 40 minutes.

wash and drain the prawn and leave aside.

grind together the kadala parrippu and gram flour followed by green chillies, curry leaves, turmeric powder, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, ginger and garlic.

Add onions finely chopped. and mix well (if you like you could also add finely chopped prawns now and skip it in the next step)

Add salt to taste

over here...we use a leaf...you could use a saran wrap.
flatten the mixture on to a leaf ...place your prawns and deep fry.
garnish with finely chopped onions, tomatoes and mint leaves...add chilli sauce on top and serve hot!

now watch them disappear!