This careful
preparation results in a harmonious blend of textures, where the fritters are
light and airy on the outside while remaining tender and delectable within.
In Pakistan,
pakoras or fritters come in various forms, incorporating a medley of vibrant
vegetables and lentils. When making lentil pakoras, the key is to create a
coarse paste with the lentils and spices, which allows for that coveted crunch.
I typically soak the chana dal for 5-6 hours in warm water to achieve the best
consistency. However, if you're pressed for time, a shorter soak of about 2
hours will suffice.
Chana Dal
Pakora holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favourite snack, and
it’s the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of tea. They're traditionally
served alongside zesty green chutney and sweet ketchup, creating a delicious
contrast. It's essential to note that consuming these pakoras can cause gas for some individuals.
Those with
sensitive stomachs might want to enjoy them in moderation. To help alleviate
potential digestive discomfort, I’ve added fresh ginger to the recipe, infusing
the pakoras with a warm, spicy kick. Dive into this flavorful experience and
enjoy every crunchy bite!
Recipe Note:
To make your
lentil fritters super crispy, it's crucial to pay attention to how you grind
the lentils. They should be ground with just a splash of water; adding too much
water will result in soft and soggy fritters. Coarse grinding is essential for
achieving that perfect crispiness.
While
I typically use one type of lentil for my dal pakoda, feel free to experiment
by combining different lentils such as black whole masoor, yellow moong dal,
green moong dal, or even more chana dal to suit your taste.
When frying
the dal pakoda, ensure that the oil is at a medium-hot temperature and fry the
fritters over a high-medium flame until they are nicely crisp. If the flame is
too low, the chana dal pakora will end up uncooked and soggy. Maintaining the
right flame is key to crispy results.
Incorporating
carom seeds (ajwain) and ginger not only enhances the flavour but also makes the
dal pakoda easier to digest and helps prevent gas. Otherwise, it can lead to
discomfort and gas in the intestines. Enjoy your cooking!
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How to make Lentil
fritters?
Step 1:
To embark on
this delicious culinary adventure, start by soaking the chana dal in warm water
for at least two hours.
This will soften the lentils, enhancing their texture and flavour. While the dal soaks,
Take some time to finely chop the onion,
garlic, ginger, green chillies, and fresh coriander, ensuring that each
ingredient is prepped for optimal impact in the final dish.
2nd step:
Once the chana
dal is adequately soaked, it’s time to blend the ingredients. In a food
processor, combine the softened chana dal, chopped onion, ginger, garlic, dry
red chillies, and green chillies.
Add a touch of black pepper and cumin seeds for
an aromatic depth, along with a splash of water to facilitate the grinding
process.
Pulse the mixture until it's coarsely ground—avoid turning it into a
paste, as we want to maintain a bit of texture for the fritters.
After grinding,
gently fold in the finely chopped greechillies, fresh coriander, and a
generous pinch of salt into the lentil mixture. For those who enjoy a bit of
extra crunch, you may add some chopped onion at this stage.
However, I
personally opted out of adding onion this time to maintain a firmer texture in
the dal pakoda.
3rd Step:
Next, heat oil
in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil reaches the right
temperature—medium hot but not smoking—carefully drop in small, flattened
portions of the pakora mixture.
It’s essential to fry them in batches to avoid
overcrowding, as this can lead to the fritters shredding instead of remaining
intact and crispy.
Allow the dal
pakora to fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes over a medium-high flame. Keep a
close eye on them; once they begin to float to the surface,
it’s time to turn
them over to fry the other side for the same duration. Continue frying,
ensuring an even golden-brown colour and a satisfyingly crispy texture.
When perfectly
cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pakoras onto a kitchen towel, where
they can rest and absorb any excess oil.
This final step ensures that each fritter
is delightfully crispy on the outside and bursting with flavour on the inside.
Enjoy your homemade lentil fritters as a snack or a delicious appetiser!
Serve
the hot chana dal pakora with ketchup and masala tea.