Vegetable Dal Pakora Recipe (Lentil Bhajiya Recipe)
Description:
Dal Bhajiya, also known as Lentil Pakora or Bhajiya, is a popular and irresistible North Indian snack made from a combination of moong dal (yellow split gram) and chana dal (Bengal gram). These crispy fritters can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making them even more flavorful and nutritious. Traditionally deep-fried, you can also opt for a healthier version by cooking them in a paniyaram pan, using much less oil. These savory, golden-brown fritters are perfect for any rainy day or as an evening snack with a cup of hot Garam Masala Chai.
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Snack
Diet:
High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow moong dal (split) | 1/2 cup |
| Green chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Cabbage | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Carrot | 1, grated |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green coriander leaves | 1 sprig, finely chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder | 1 tsp |
| Chaat masala powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As needed for frying |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soaking the Dal: Start by soaking both the chana dal and yellow moong dal in water for about 2 hours. Once soaked, drain the water thoroughly.
-
Making the Batter: Transfer the soaked and drained dal to a mixer grinder. Add grated ginger, finely chopped green chillies, and a little water to make a smooth batter. Grind it until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. You can add just enough water to help with grinding. Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl.
-
Adding Vegetables & Spices: To the batter, add finely chopped cabbage, grated carrot, finely chopped onion, and chopped coriander leaves. Next, season the batter with lemon juice, cumin powder, chaat masala powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
-
Frying the Bhajiyas:
-
Deep Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the prepared batter into the oil. Fry the bhajiyas on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once fried, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
-
Paniyaram Pan Method (Healthier Option): Heat a paniyaram (appe) pan and add a small amount of oil in each cavity. Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling it halfway. Cook on medium heat until the bhajiyas turn golden brown on all sides, using a spoon to flip them carefully.
-
-
Serving: Once your dal bhajiyas are golden brown and crispy, serve them hot with a side of Coriander Mint Chutney for a refreshing contrast to the spicy, crispy fritters. Enjoy with a cup of Garam Masala Chai, especially on a cool, rainy day.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter.
- If you want a lighter version of these fritters, try air frying them instead of deep frying.
- Make sure to soak the dal well to ensure a smooth and fluffy batter.
- You can also add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for variety.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal (per 2 bhajiyas) |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Enjoy Your Vegetable Dal Pakora!
These crispy and crunchy Dal Bhajiyas are a delight for the taste buds and make a fantastic snack, especially when paired with a spicy chutney and a warm cup of chai. The perfect blend of spices and vegetables makes this recipe both flavorful and healthy, satisfying your snack cravings while keeping your protein intake high.
