I would've turned into the Californian hippy in the Buddhist cafe, eating dhal and awaiting his guru.
It is a yellow dhal which looks like split peas but is much tastier and does not break up when cooked.
The " black dhal " has been described as the " best outside New Delhi " .
dhal sauce aside whilst you go on to cook the meatballs.
The batter is made from gram flour which is derived from chana dhal.