In Israel, you can find parippu vada served in the guesthouses of towns where members of the Cochin community settled such as Ta’oz in Mate Yehuda and Nevatim in the Negev.
Cochin Jews (the oldest Jewish community in India, also known as Malabar Jews or Kochinim) in western India is one of the most unique communities in the Jewish diaspora. The local cuisine combines European flavors – the influence of extensive trade relations with the spice merchants of Portugal – along with aromas known from the Indian subcontinent.
Ingredients for Parippu Vada - Lentil Pancakes
- 2 cups red lentils
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 10 curry stalks, leaves only, finely chopped (available fresh or dried at spice stores)
- 2 green pepper finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 3 teaspoons vinegar
- vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
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1. Soak the lentils in water for 30 minutes. Coarsely grind in 2-3 pulses in a food processor. Place in a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Create small balls from the mixture and flatten them as much as you can.
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2. Heat oil for deep frying 355F degrees (180C). Fry the pancakes until golden. Serve hot.