Urad Dal (Split White Lentils) • medium Onion or 2-3 shallots, finely chopped (optional) • Cumin Seeds • crushed Black Peppercorns • Curry Leaves, finely chopped, optional • Green Chillies, finely chopped • Asafoetida (hing), optional • finely chopped Coriander Leaves • Oil, for deep frying • Salt