Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Appetizer
If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and full of vibrant Thai flavors, these Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters are sure to hit the spot. A perfect appetizer to kick off a Thai-inspired meal, these fritters are made from yellow moong dal (split mung beans), offering a delightful texture, while the blend of spices, fresh herbs, and tangy chutney adds an unforgettable depth of flavor.
Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or new to its offerings, these fritters will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand with every bite. Pair them with a side of Thai Basil Vegetarian Fried Rice with Pineapple and a rich Thai curry for a complete meal experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters
- Cuisine: Thai
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Gluten-Free
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
Ingredients for Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Spring Onion Greens, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Red Chilies, chopped | 2 |
| Garlic, chopped | 3 cloves |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Green Chili | 1 |
| Additional Garlic, chopped | 2 cloves |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
For the Chutney:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Green Chili | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions for Making Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters
Step 1: Soak the Mung Beans
Start by soaking the yellow moong dal (split mung beans) in water. This is a crucial step to ensure the fritters have the right texture and consistency. Ideally, soak the mung beans for at least one hour. For best results, you can soak them overnight. After soaking, drain any excess water and set the beans aside.
Step 2: Grind the Mung Beans
Once the mung beans are soaked, transfer them to a food processor or blender. Grind the mung beans into a coarse mixture—this helps achieve the perfect texture for your fritters. The mixture should be thick but not too dry, with a bit of texture left in the beans for that satisfying bite.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Transfer the ground mung beans into a large mixing bowl. To the mung bean mixture, add the following ingredients:
- Whole egg
- Baking powder
- Chopped spring onion greens
- Fresh coriander (dhania) leaves
- Chopped fresh red chilies
- Chopped garlic
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
- Green chili (chopped)
Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky enough to hold its shape when spooned into the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Next, heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan (or any non-stick pan) over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to coat the pan. Once the oil is heated, use a spoon to drop portions of the mung bean mixture into the pan, forming small fritters.
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them carefully to ensure even browning on all sides. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning—adjust as necessary.
Step 5: Make the Chutney
While the fritters are cooking, it’s time to prepare the chutney. In a blender or food processor, combine the following ingredients:
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Green chili
- Garlic cloves
- Vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water if needed to achieve the right consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt to your preference.
Step 6: Serve
Once the fritters are cooked and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve the fritters hot, with the freshly made coriander chutney on the side. For a complete meal, pair these fritters with Thai Basil Vegetarian Fried Rice with Pineapple and a flavorful Thai curry.
Tips for Perfect Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters
- Texture: If the fritter mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it. If it’s too runny, you can add a little more ground mung beans or a pinch of flour.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil in the pan is hot enough before you start frying. If the fritters are not sizzling when you drop them into the pan, the oil is not hot enough.
- Substitutes: You can experiment with adding different herbs and spices to the fritter mixture, such as lemongrass or turmeric, for additional depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The fritter mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This can save you time when preparing the meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For an appetizer, serve them as part of a Thai-themed meal alongside:
- Thai Basil Vegetarian Fried Rice with Pineapple – A fragrant, slightly sweet fried rice dish with the bold flavors of basil and pineapple.
- Thai Curry – Whether it’s a red, green, or yellow curry, the creamy, spicy sauce complements the crispy fritters beautifully.
- A refreshing Thai Salad – A light cucumber and carrot salad dressed with a tangy lime dressing would provide a nice contrast to the rich fritters.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 7-9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 8-10 g |
| Fiber | 4-5 g |
| Sodium | 200-250 mg |
| Cholesterol | 40-50 mg |
Conclusion
Thai Style Mung Bean Fritters are a delightful and unique appetizer that combines the nutty taste of mung beans with a fresh burst of Thai flavors. They are perfect for a light snack or as part of a larger meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy these fritters at home, impressing friends and family with the bold and exciting flavors of Thailand. Try them today, and don’t forget to pair them with a refreshing chutney for the perfect balance of taste!
