Sift the flour with a little salt and the bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl.
Add the ghee and rub the mixture between your fingers until breadcrumbs form.
Mix in enough water to form a soft dough. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside.
Soak the urad dal in a bowl of water for 45 minutes.
Drain and transfer the urad dal to a blender or food processor, add a little water and process until coarsely ground. You do not want a paste.
Heat the oil in a pan, add the chopped ginger, green chilli, chilli powder, ground fennel, cumin, asafoetida and coriander and stir well.
Add the ground dal and cook until all the moisture has evaporated.
Add the sugar, then season with salt to taste and mix well.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll into balls, then flatten slightly.
Place a little of the urad dal stuffing in the centre and bring the edges together to form a ball; flatten slightly.
Heat enough oil for deep-frying in a deep, heavy-based pan to 170’C / 325"F, or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.
Carefully slide the balls into the oil and deep-fry until golden brown and crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper (paper towel) before serving.