[header] How to make adai [title] Soak the rice, pigeon peas, chickpeas and lentils separately in water. [step] Use one large bowl for the rice and another large bowl for the pigeon peas, chickpeas, and lentils, which may be soaked together. Let all ingredients soak for at least 3 hours. 
It is especially important to soak the lentils, pigeon peas, and chickpeas until they are soft. You may need to soak them for as long as 4-5 hours.