Dhal Balls With Yogurt

Based on a recipe from Linda Fraser's book, The Book of Curries and Indian Foods. This is great served in pitas (I use Pita Bread for the Breadmaker) with shredded or torn lettuce and chopped tomato. Cook time doesn't include the 2 hours required to soak the lentils after picking through them.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup  whole green lentil
• 1  cup plain yogurt
• 6  tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder
• 4  tablespoons fresh coconut, shredded
• 1  cup  fresh breadcrumb
• 2  green chilies, seeded, chopped (I often use canned chopped chiles)
• 1  piece  fresh gingerroot, grated (1 1-inch piece)
• 1  egg, beaten
•  salt
•  pepper
• 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
•  vegetable oil, for deep-frying
•  cilantro leaf, chopped (garnish)

Directions

1. Place lentils in a sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Pick over lentils removing any grit. Place in a bowl, cover with cold water and soak 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, mix yogurt with 2 tablespoons of the cilantro and the chile powder. Cover and refrigerate.
4. Drain lentils, cover with fresh water and simmer 30 minutes, or until tender. Add to vegetable mill or food processor and puree or mash well. Transfer to a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the coconut, the bread crumbs, remaining cilantro, chiles, gingerroot, egg, salt and pepper; mix well. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
5. Dampen hands, then carefully roll mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll balls in flour to coat completely.
6. Half-fill a deep pan or deep-fryer with oil and heat to 375°F (190C), or until a 1-inch cube of bread browns in 50 seconds.
7. Fry about 6 balls at a time 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels.
9. Serve hot with yogurt sauce, sprinkled with remaining coconut and garnished with cilantro leaves.