Masala Vadai

Fried chana dal patties — soaked split chickpeas ground coarsely with fennel seeds, dried red chilli, shallots, and curry leaves, shaped into flat rounds and deep-fried until deeply golden and crisp. Eaten as a snack with coconut chutney and a cup of tea, and sold at every South Indian street stall and temple. A Tamil Nadu staple across all communities.