Zucchini Lentil Pakoras
As pakoras are one of the most welcoming snacks all over India. It is a popular street food. Everyone has their own favorites and there are countless recipes. Pakoras are a very comforting snack especially when it is cold, and it is raining. Here, we are experiencing both and I am wishing for pakoras with a hot cup of chai, blanket and a good TV show or movie. In a particular magazine, I saw a fusion pakora recipe. Instead of using traditional beasn batter, the chef had used red lentil batter. Several times, I have used moong dal batter, but I never even thought about using red lentil. I was ready to give it a try with another pakora recipe using lentil batter. I made some changes and added chopped ginger that added a nice kick to the pakoras. They turned out to be mouthwatering appetizers: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These pakoras are addicting! These work as a tasty pairing with your afternoon tea or a spicy delicious snack before any meal. These pakoras have a different crispness but are very delightful. Give these pakoras a try and enjoy! These Pakoras are also vegan and gluten-free.
This recipe will serve 4.
- 1 cup red lentils (washed masoor dal)
- 1 zucchini (medium sized, cut into thick rounds)
- 2 Tbsp green chili (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp ginger (finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp cilantro (chopped)
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- Pinch of baking soda
- 2 Tbsp corn starch
- Soak red lentil at least for 1hours or more.
- Pet dry zucchini slices and keep aside.
- Blend dal to smooth batter, using just enough water needed to blend.
- To make Pakora batter add corn starch, salt, chili powder and salt together, mix it well, whipping for few seconds. Add all the other ingredients to the batter, ginger, green chili, cilantro and mix all the ingredient well. Batter should be consistency of pancake mix, if needed add little water.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. The frying pan should have about 1 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in the oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away.
- Dip the zucchini slices into the batter one at a time, making sure it is covered by the batter completely. Then, slowly drop into the frying pan.
- Fry the pakoras in small batches, not overlapping. The pakoras will take about 4-5 minutes to cook.
- Turn them occasionally. Fry the pakoras until both sides are golden brown. If the oil is too hot, the pakoras will brown too fast and not get crispy.
- Left over batter, place about one tablespoon of batter into the oil. Fry the pakoras in small batches until golden-brown.
- The crispy, delicious pakoras are now ready to serve. I like to serve these both pakoras side by side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Peanut chutney, Rhubarb Chutney, Mint Chutney
- my favorite is taking 1 tablespoon mint chutney and mix with ¼ cup of yogurt.
Comments
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discoverregina
May 12, 2022 at 11:00 amYour recipe is very good. we will try it at home. its looks too yummy.
nana
February 27, 2021 at 1:28 ami love all your recipes thank you for sharing