Indian Recipes

Crispy Chana Dal Aloo Cutlets | High-Protein Indian Snack Recipe

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Chana Dal Aloo Cutlet Recipe (Gram Dal Potato Cutlet Recipe)

Chana Dal Aloo Cutlet, also known as Gram Dal Potato Cutlet, is a delectable snack that combines the goodness of protein-rich chana dal (Bengal gram) with the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes. It’s spiced with aromatic herbs like coriander, mint, and ginger, along with a blend of savory spices to bring out the best of Indian flavors. Perfect for a light snack or as a party appetizer, these crispy cutlets are sure to delight everyone!


Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) 1 cup (soaked for 3 hours)
Potatoes (Aloo) 2 (boiled and mashed)
Green Chilli 2 (finely chopped)
Coriander leaves (Dhania) A small bunch
Mint leaves (Pudina) A small bunch
Gram flour (Besan) 1 tablespoon
Chaat masala powder 1 teaspoon
Red chilli powder 1/2 teaspoon
Ginger 1-inch piece (finely chopped)
Asafoetida (Hing) 1/4 teaspoon
Cumin seeds (Jeera) 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh coconut (grated) 2 tablespoons
Cardamom powder (Elaichi) 1 teaspoon
Sunflower oil For frying

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 150 kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 25g
Fat 5g
Fiber 4g
Sodium 150mg

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chana Dal:

  • Begin by washing the chana dal thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
  • Soak the chana dal in water for 1 hour or more to soften the lentils, which will help in blending later.
  • In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal along with enough water to cover it.
  • Cook the dal for about 2 to 3 whistles, or until it becomes tender but not mushy.
  • Once cooked, strain the excess water from the dal and set it aside.

2. Making the Chana Dal Paste:

  • After straining, use a mixer grinder to make a fine dry paste of the cooked chana dal. Ensure that it is not too wet or runny—just a smooth, thick paste.

3. Tempering Spices:

  • Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Once hot, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Let them splutter for about 10 seconds to release their flavors.
  • Add the finely chopped ginger and sauté it for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the grated coconut, red chili powder, and cardamom powder. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

4. Combining the Mixture:

  • Now, add the chana dal paste to the pan with the tempering. Stir it well to combine.
  • Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, besan (gram flour), coriander leaves, mint leaves, and chaat masala.
  • Cook the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and come together.
  • Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

5. Shaping the Cutlets:

  • After the mixture has cooled down enough to handle, divide it into small portions.
  • Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly to form thick cutlets.
  • Refrigerate the cutlets for about 15 minutes to firm them up. This will help in holding their shape while frying.

6. Frying the Cutlets:

  • Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  • Carefully place the chilled cutlets in the hot oil, frying them in batches if necessary.
  • Fry the cutlets for 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crisp.
  • Make sure to fry on low to medium heat to achieve the perfect crispness without burning the cutlets.

7. Draining and Serving:

  • Once fried, remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve the Chana Dal Aloo Cutlets hot, paired with refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney and a cup of Masala Chai or Filter Coffee for the perfect evening snack.

Tips for the Best Chana Dal Aloo Cutlets:

  1. Chana Dal Consistency: The chana dal paste should be smooth but not too wet. If it is too wet, it will be difficult to shape the cutlets.
  2. Frying Temperature: Ensure that the oil is medium hot for frying. If the oil is too hot, the cutlets will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining uncooked inside.
  3. Chill the Cutlets: Refrigerating the shaped cutlets helps them firm up, making frying easier and preventing them from falling apart.
  4. Flavor Variations: You can experiment with adding a pinch of garam masala or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Why You’ll Love Chana Dal Aloo Cutlets:

These cutlets are a fantastic snack for any occasion, providing a delightful combination of textures. The crispy outer layer contrasts perfectly with the soft, spiced interior made from protein-packed chana dal and creamy potatoes. The addition of fresh herbs and spices adds a flavorful kick, while the coconut gives them a unique twist. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack with a cup of tea, these cutlets will certainly become a family favorite!


Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Chana Dal Aloo Cutlets with tangy Dhaniya Pudina Chutney or a cooling yogurt dip. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of Masala Chai or even Filter Coffee for a truly satisfying snack experience. You can also serve them as part of a larger Indian-themed meal or as a party appetizer.


Chana Dal Aloo Cutlet offers a delicious fusion of flavors and is a healthy, high-protein vegetarian option for anyone craving a satisfying snack. Whether you’re enjoying them on a quiet evening or sharing them with friends, these cutlets will surely be a hit!

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