Crispy Moong Dal Pakoda: A Classic Indian Snack

40 minutes

724 reads

4.25 from 4 votes

About Crispy Moong Dal Pakoda: A Classic Indian Snack

Craving a crispy, flavorful snack that's both satisfying and protein-packed? Look no further than these irresistible Moong Dal Pakoda, a beloved Indian street food staple that's perfect for any occasion.
These golden-brown fritters are made with a simple yet flavorful batter of soaked and ground moong dal (split yellow lentils), infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. Deep-fried to perfection, they boast a delightful crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft interior.
Enjoy these piping hot pakoda with your favorite chutney or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an explosion of flavor. It's a true taste of India you won't want to miss!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total40 minutes
Calories360 kcal
Serves5
Served AsSnacks
Recipe TasteSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Moong Dal Batter

Other Ingredients

  • Oil for deep frying
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Instructions
 

  • Wash the moong dal thoroughly. Soak it in cold water for at least 6 hours or overnight. This softens the lentils for grinding and creates a lighter pakoda.
  • Drain the soaked moong dal and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the ginger paste, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ground coriander, asafoetida, and salt.
  • Grind the mixture into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be thick but pourable.
  • Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or kadai over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the hot oil. It should sizzle gently and rise to the surface.
    Crispy Moong Dal Pakoda: A Classic Indian Snack - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Carefully drop spoonfuls of the moong dal batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Maintain the oil temperature to ensure even cooking.
  • Deep-fry the pakoda until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally for even browning. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove the pakoda from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve the hot, crispy Moong Dal Pakoda immediately. Enjoy them with your favorite chutney or sprinkle with chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.
    Crispy Moong Dal Pakoda: A Classic Indian Snack - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra crunch, stir a tablespoon of fine rice flour or semolina into the moong dal batter before frying—this helps the pakodas remain crisp even after cooling.
  • To enhance the flavor profile, add a handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves or finely diced green chilies to the batter for a burst of freshness and color.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure that the asafoetida (hing) used is pure and not blended with wheat flour, as some commercial brands contain additives.

Expert Tips

  • Soaking the moong dal for the right amount of time is crucial for the perfect pakoda texture. Over-soaking will result in a mushy batter, while under-soaking will make the pakodas hard. Aim for a soaking time that allows the dal to be ground into a smooth paste but still retain some bite.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the pakodas. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pakodas. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  • Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder for a spicier kick.

Storage Instructions

  • Moong pakodas are best enjoyed hot, but if you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
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4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 19gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 684mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2g

Geeta Biswas
Geeta Biswas

Are you missing old, traditional recipes? I, Geeta Biswas would love to share all those different tasty and traditional recipes. Most of my recipes are simple and very creative as I try to add twist and easy steps to prepare each and every recipe.

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4.25 from 4 votes

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