Urad Dal Kachori

Urad Dal Kachori

Dal kachori is a delicacy from north India. Dal kachori is a spicy puffed pastry. Traditionally kachories are sold at HALWAI (a sweet and snack shop). Today, I will use urad dal lentils (skinned black gram) for the inside filling. These mouthwatering Dal kachories can be served as a snack, chaat or part of main meal, making the meal exotic.

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Course Appetizer, Bread

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

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Dough

• 1 cup All Purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
• 1 tablespoon fine sooji (semolina)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ghee / clarified butter
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water

Filling

• 1/4 cup washed urad dal lentils (skinned black gram)
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds coarsely grinded (saunf)
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds coarsely grinded (dhania)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor)
• 1/4 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1 tablespoon ghee / clarified butter

Also need oil to fry

Instructions

 

To Make Dough

• Mix the flour, semolina, salt and ghee. Add water slowly to make dough. Dough should be firm but pliable. Cover the dough and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.

To make filling

• Boil dal in about 2 cups of water, until dal is soft not mushy. Drain the access water.
• Heat the ghee (clarified butter) over low medium heat add all the spices for filling fennel, coriander, red chili, mango powder, asafetida and salt, stir and add boiled dal.
• Stir continuously, and keep pressing dal, until water from dal has evaporated, notes, dal should not be powdery.
• Turn off the heat. Let the mixture cool off.

To make the Kachoris

• Take the dough and knead it for a minutes. Divide the dough in twelve equal parts.
• Take one part of the dough and with your fingers flatten the edges and make into 3-inch circle. Leaving center little thicker than edges.
• Mold the dough into a cup and place about 2 teaspoons of filling in the center. Pull the edges of the dough to wrap the dal filling. Proceed to make all 12 balls.
• Let the filled ball sit for three to four minutes before rolling.
• Set the kachoris on a surface with the seams facing up. Roll it slowly about three inches in diameter.
• Heat the oil in frying pan over medium heat frying pan should have about one inch of oil. To check if oil is ready put a little piece of dough in the oil. Dough should sizzle, and come up very slow.
• Fry them on medium-low heat. After they start to puff, slowly turn them over. Fry until golden-brown on both sides. This should take about five minutes. If the kachoris are fried on high heat, they will get soft and will not be crispy.
• Kachories can be stored for at least a week in an airtight container.

Notes

If kachories get soft warm up the kachoris in an oven on 200 degree F for about 7 to 10 minutes, this will bring back the freshness and crispyness.

Serving suggestion: serve them plain, or with tamarind chutney and yogurt as chaat, or serve the kachories as main meal and serve them with aloo dum

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Urad Dal Kachori Recipe: A Delectable Indian Snack 

Urad Dal Kachori is a delectable Indian snack that perfectly fits into categories like appetizers, party recipes, and snacks. With its crispy exterior and flavorful filling, it’s an ideal addition to festive occasions like Diwali and Holi, where indulging in savory treats is a tradition. This traditional dish combines the richness of urad dal (black gram lentils) with a blend of spices encased in a golden, fried dough shell, making it a beloved choice among food enthusiasts. 

Enjoyed hot and fresh, Urad Dal Kachori offers a delightful burst of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations alike. Urad Dal Kachori is a traditional Indian snack enjoyed by many across the country. This flavorful delicacy is a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, or even as a side dish. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through how to make urad dal kachori step by step, ensuring that you achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

How to Make Urad Dal Kachori: Step-by-Step Instructions 

Prepare the Dough:

Combine flour, semolina, salt, and ghee in a bowl. Gradually incorporate water while mixing until a firm but pliable dough forms. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Lentils:

Boil the lentils in approximately 2 cups of water until softened but not mushy. Drain any excess water.

Make the Filling:

Heat ghee over low-medium heat. Add all the filling spices (fennel seeds, coriander seeds, red chili powder, mango powder, and asafetida) and stir briefly. Add the cooked lentils and continue stirring while mashing the lentils to remove excess moisture. The filling should not be dry or powdery. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

Assemble the Kachoris:

Knead the rested dough for a minute and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 3-inch circle, keeping the center slightly thicker than the edges. Gently cup the dough to form a small pocket. Add approximately 2 teaspoons of the cooled lentil filling to the center. Pull the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling securely. Repeat this process to create 12 filled balls.

Shape and Fry:

Allow the filled balls to rest for 3-4 minutes. Gently roll each ball out to a 3-inch diameter circle, ensuring the seam faces upwards. Heat oil (about 1 inch deep) in a frying pan over medium heat. To test the oil temperature, drop a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise slowly to the surface. Carefully place the kachoris in the hot oil and fry over medium-low heat. Once they begin to puff up, gently flip them over. Fry until golden brown on both sides, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Avoid high heat, as this will result in soft rather than crispy kachoris.

Storage:

Once cool, kachoris can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Variations of Urad Dal Kachori 

While the traditional urad dal kachori recipe is delightful on its own, you can experiment with various fillings and flavors to create unique variations. Instead of urad dal, you can use mashed potatoes, green peas, or lentils for the filling. Additionally, you can add a touch of sweetness by incorporating raisins or dates into the filling mixture. Get creative with spices and herbs to customize the flavor according to your preference.

Benefits of Urad Dal Kachori

Urad dal, the main ingredient in urad dal kachori, is a rich source of protein, fiber, and various nutrients. Including kachoris in your diet provides you with essential nutrients and energy, making it a wholesome snack option. Moreover, homemade kachoris allow you to control the quality of ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives commonly found in store-bought snacks.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Q: Can I make urad dal kachoris in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the kachoris and fry them fresh for the best taste and texture.

Q: Can I bake kachoris instead of frying them?

A: While traditional kachoris are deep-fried for a crispy texture, you can certainly try baking them for a healthier alternative. Brush the assembled kachoris with oil and bake in a preheated oven until they turn golden brown and crisp.

Q: Can I freeze leftover kachoris?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover kachoris in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. When ready to eat, reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.

For more delicious recipes, visit Manjula’s Kitchen and explore other Recipes. If you’re looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula’s Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen official website: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe, Chana Chaat (Spicy Chickpea Salad) Recipe, Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Hash with Buns) Recipe, Raj Kachori (Crunchy Chaat) Recipe, Vegetable Biryani Recip. These recipes should offer you a flavorful experience straight from Manjula’s Kitchen.