Description
These Masal Vadai Lentil Fritters are a crispy, savory delight made from Bengal Gram and Pigeon Peas, perfect for a snack or festival treat.
Ingredients
- Bengal Gram/Chana Dal – 1 big cup
- Pigeon Peas/Toor dal – 2 to 3 tbsp
- Semolina – 1 tbsp (adds to the crispiness of the batter)
- Red Chillis – 3- to taste
- Green Chillis- 2 – to taste – optional
- Garlic – 3 large pods – finely chopped
- Ginger – a small piece – finely chopped
- Shallots – 10- finely chopped
- Fennel Seeds – 1 tbsp (makes it aromatic & flavourful)
- Coriander leaves & curry leaves -a few sprigs (chopped)
- Salt – to taste
- Asafoetida – a pinch or two
- Oil – for frying
Instructions
- Wash the Bengal Gram and Pigeon Peas thoroughly and soak them in enough water for at least one hour. This helps soften the lentils for grinding.
- After soaking, drain the water and retain a fistful of the lentils separately. This will add texture to the fritters.
- In a blender, grind the remaining lentils along with red chillis, garlic, and ginger to a coarse paste. Avoid adding water unless absolutely necessary, as a dry mixture is preferred.
- Mix the retained whole lentils into the ground paste along with semolina and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Shape the mixture into small flat discs, about 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the shaped discs.
- Fry the fritters in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove the fritters using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with a side of chutney or enjoy them with a cup of tea.
Notes
While grinding the lentils, do not add water unless required. If the mixture becomes too dry and difficult to pulse, add a few drops of water as needed. The batter should be coarse and thick. Serve the fritters hot for the best texture. They pair wonderfully with chutney or a cup of tea.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg