Vegetable Dal Pakora (Dal Bhajiya) Recipe
Vegetable Dal Pakora, also known as Dal Bhajiya, is a delightful North Indian snack that can serve as an appetizer or a tea-time treat. Made with a blend of moong dal (yellow split lentils) and chana dal (Bengal gram), this crunchy yet soft delicacy is packed with flavor. The dals are soaked, ground into a coarse batter, and mixed with aromatic spices like ginger, green chilies, fennel seeds, and turmeric. Grated carrots and fresh coriander leaves elevate its taste and texture, creating a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pakoras are a must-try for those who enjoy delicious, protein-packed vegetarian snacks.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Snack
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup (soaked overnight) |
Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup (soaked overnight) |
Carrot (Gajjar) | 1 (grated) |
Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
Green Chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
Ginger | 2-inch piece (finely chopped) |
Enos Fruit Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | Small bunch (finely chopped) |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | For frying |
Instructions
-
Roast the Fennel Seeds:
- Begin by preheating a pan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and roast them until they become aromatic. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and allow them to cool.
- Once the fennel seeds have cooled, crush them coarsely using a mortar and pestle. Set them aside for later use.
-
Prepare the Dal Batter:
- Drain the soaked chana dal and yellow moong dal, then transfer them into a mixer grinder. Add a small amount of water, just enough to blend the dals into a coarse batter. The consistency should be thick, not runny.
- Pour the batter into a mixing bowl.
-
Mix the Vegetables and Spices:
- To the batter, add the finely chopped green chilies, ginger, grated carrots, finely chopped onion, enos fruit salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, crushed fennel seeds, and salt to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Taste the batter and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. You want a balanced flavor with a mild heat from the chilies and a touch of sweetness from the carrots.
-
Pan-Fry the Dal Pakoras:
- Heat a kuzhi paniyaram pan or any similar deep pan with small cavities. Add about a teaspoon of oil to each cavity, ensuring that each one is coated with a little oil.
- Once the pan is preheated, drop spoonfuls of the vegetable dal pakora batter into each cavity. Drizzle a little more oil on top of the batter to help it cook evenly.
- Allow the pakoras to cook and steam on medium heat. Once the top side begins to set and looks cooked, carefully flip the pakoras over using tongs or a spoon.
- Drizzle a bit more oil on top and pan-fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, ensuring they are fully cooked inside. This process should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
-
Drain and Serve:
- Once the pakoras are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Vegetable Dal Pakoras hot, accompanied by Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander-mint chutney) and a steaming cup of Adrak Chai (ginger tea) for a delightful snack.
Serving Suggestions:
Vegetable Dal Pakoras are best enjoyed immediately while they are still crispy and hot. They pair wonderfully with a variety of chutneys like tamarind, mint-coriander, or even a spicy mango chutney. For a complete tea-time experience, serve these pakoras with a warm cup of Indian masala chai or ginger tea.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 150-180 kcal |
Protein | 8-10g |
Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
Fat | 7-9g |
Sodium | 300-400mg |
Potassium | 300-400mg |
Vitamin A | 100-120% of Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 15-20% of Daily Value |
Iron | 10-12% of Daily Value |
Vegetable Dal Pakora is a high-protein vegetarian snack that’s both nutritious and delicious, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a healthy yet tasty treat. Enjoy this crunchy delight during your next tea time or as a savory appetizer at your next gathering!