Biscuit Ambado (Split Black gram Fritters)

Biscuit Ambado is a popular deep fried snack (as well as for breakfast) in Mangalore- Udupi (Coastal Karnataka) region. These fritters are similar to the medu vadas that are popularly served along with idlis. The main difference between medu vada and biscuit ambado is in their shape (medu vada has a doughnut shape and biscuit ambado has round shape). The basic ingredient is the same for both. I got this recipe from my mother.

Biscuit Ambado is a simple recipe. It requires only few ingredients. The only difficult part is to get the right consistency of the batter. Once that is achieved everything else is a breeze. I tried these for the first time and trust me they were vanishing as soon as they came out of the oil and I was worried whether I could take a picture or not. I couldn't get the shape perfectly but taste wise it was really good. It had a crispy crust and inside was soft. Do give it a try and I am sure you will not stop at one!! :-)

Ingredients:

• Urad dal/ Split Black gram- 3/4 cup
• Green Chilli- 1-2
• Curry leaves- 7-8 leaves
• Asafoetida (Hing)- A big generous pinch
• Coconut pieces- 1-2 Tbsp
• Salt- To taste
• Oil- For deep frying

You can as well add few pieces of ginger to the batter for the extra flavor.

Procedure:

Wash and soak urad dal for 2 hours. Drain the water completely.

Now grind the soaked urad dal to get a thick smooth paste (minimum amount of water should be used while grinding. If the ground paste is runny then it soaks up lot of oil. So add water in little amount until you get a smooth thick paste). Then transfer the paste to a bowl.

Now add in the chopped green chilli, chopped curry leaves, asafoetida, coconut pieces and salt.

Mix well. Now dip your hand in water and take a small amount of batter and pour in the hot oil as shown below.

Continue to put few more fritters (don't over crowd the oil). Fry these fritters on medium high heat until the fritters get a uniform golden brown color through out.

Once done, transfer them on a paper towel, to absorb excess oil. 

Biscuit Ambado is ready!!

Serve it hot with coconut chutney. Above measurement makes 12 medium sized fritters (just enough to serve 2-3 people).