Assamese Boror Tenga Recipe (Vegetarian Sour Curry with Masoor Dal Fritters)
A quintessential dish from Assamese cuisine, Boror Tenga is a delightful vegetarian curry that balances the tangy flavors of tomatoes with the richness of bottle gourd and the crispy texture of masoor dal fritters. This sour curry is perfect for those who love exploring traditional recipes with a unique regional twist. Pair it with steamed rice and traditional Assamese sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For Masoor Dal Fritters:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Masoor Dal (Whole) | 1/2 cup, soaked for 30 minutes |
| Green Chilli | 1, soaked with masoor dal |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
For Sour Curry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 4, finely chopped |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, cooked and mashed |
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 1 cup, peeled and cubed |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1, halved |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A handful, finely chopped |
Preparation Time and Cooking Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 30 minutes | 60 minutes | 4 |
Nutritional Information (Approx per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Instructions
Preparing the Masoor Dal Fritters:
-
Soak and Blend:
Wash the masoor dal twice and soak it with the green chili for 30 minutes. Transfer the soaked dal and chili into a mixer grinder and grind into a coarse paste. Add very little water if needed. The paste should be thick to hold shape during frying. -
-
Season the Batter:
Add a pinch of asafoetida and salt to the batter. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. -
Fry the Fritters:
Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, spoon small portions of the batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a kitchen towel. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Preparing the Sour Curry:
-
Prepare the Tempering:
Heat mustard oil in a kadai. Add bay leaves and sauté until fragrant. Add the dry red chili and sauté briefly. Next, add panch phoran masala and stir quickly to avoid burning. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onions to the tempering. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and sauté until the onions turn golden and soft. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and turmeric powder. Cook on low heat until the tomatoes turn mushy. -
Incorporate Bottle Gourd and Seasonings:
Add the cubed bottle gourd along with red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté for a minute before adding 2 cups of water. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes or until the bottle gourd softens. -
Finish the Curry:
Stir in the mashed potato to add body to the curry. Adjust the water level based on your desired consistency. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes and turn off the heat. -
Add the Fritters:
Gently add the fried masoor dal fritters to the curry. Mix well, ensuring the fritters soak up the flavors of the curry.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with:
- Steamed Rice for a hearty meal.
- Traditional Assamese side dishes like Amitar Khar or Bilahir Tok for a complete experience.
- Finish the meal with a delightful dessert such as Assamese Style Dil Pasand.
Tips for the Perfect Assamese Boror Tenga:
- Fritter Texture: Ensure the masoor dal batter is thick to achieve crunchy fritters.
- Bottle Gourd Cooking: Do not overcook the bottle gourd; it should retain its shape while being tender.
- Tanginess: Adjust the amount of tomatoes to achieve your preferred level of tanginess.
This delightful dish not only showcases the simplicity of Assamese cuisine but also brings together textures and flavors in a comforting, homely way. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Assam to your dining table!
