Moong Dal Tikki Recipe
Moong Dal Tikki is a crispy and flavorful Indian appetizer that combines the goodness of yellow moong dal (lentils) with an array of spices and vegetables. These crunchy tikkis are perfect for a rainy day snack and can be paired with green chutney and khajur imli chutney for an unforgettable taste. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a healthy option for your meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 Cup |
Green Chillies | 6 |
Fresh Ginger (1-inch piece) | 1-inch |
Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | 4 tablespoons |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
Green Peas (boiled and mashed) | 3 tablespoons |
Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 3 tablespoons |
Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, grated) | 1/4 Cup |
Corn Flour | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 tablespoon |
Salt | To taste |
Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 tablespoon |
Chaat Masala Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Value per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Preparation Time
Activity | Time (Minutes) |
---|---|
Soaking Moong Dal | 120 |
Grinding & Mixing | 15 |
Frying | 15 |
Instructions
-
Soak the Moong Dal
Begin by soaking the yellow moong dal in water for about 2 hours. This softens the dal, making it easier to grind into a paste. -
Boil the Moong Dal
After soaking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the soaked moong dal and cook it for about 5 minutes on medium heat until it becomes tender but not mushy. -
Drain and Rinse
Drain the water from the moong dal and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the dal from becoming too soft. Set aside. -
Grind the Mixture
In a grinder, add the moong dal, green chillies, fresh ginger, and fresh coriander leaves. Grind everything together to form a coarse paste. Be careful not to make it too smooth. -
Mix the Ingredients
Transfer the ground moong dal paste into a large mixing bowl. Add chopped onion, grated paneer, mashed peas, and chopped green bell pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. -
Add the Spices
To the mixture, add corn flour, cumin powder, chaat masala, amchur powder, and salt to taste. Mix again until all the ingredients are well incorporated. -
Shape the Tikkis
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into flat, round tikkis (patties). Press gently to ensure they hold together well during frying. -
Fry the Tikkis
Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a non-stick shallow frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tikkis in the pan and shallow fry them until they are golden and crispy on one side. Flip them over and fry the other side until it becomes equally golden and crisp. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Moong Dal Tikki hot with green chutney and khajur imli chutney (date-tamarind chutney) on the side. For a perfect monsoon snack, pair the tikkis with a steaming cup of masala chai.
Cooking Tips:
- Soaking the Dal: The longer you soak the moong dal, the softer it becomes, which makes grinding easier and the tikkis fluffier.
- Adjusting the Spice: You can adjust the number of green chillies based on your preference for spiciness.
- Crispiness: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the tikkis to get that golden crisp texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain even cooking.
- Paneer Substitute: If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can substitute paneer with tofu or skip it entirely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Moong Dal Tikki with a side of green chutney made from mint, coriander, and yogurt, or khajur imli chutney for that sweet and tangy kick.
- For an enhanced flavor, serve the tikkis with a glass of chilled masala chai, especially during the rainy season, to make the experience even more comforting.
- These tikkis also make for a great party snack or can be served as a part of a larger Indian meal.
Enjoy the crispy, flavorful, and nutritious Moong Dal Tikki as a satisfying snack or appetizer for any occasion!