Moong Dal Ka Karaiyal: A Flavorful North Indian Lentil Recipe

4 hours 35 minutes

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4.50 from 4 votes

About Moong Dal Ka Karaiyal: A Flavorful North Indian Lentil Recipe

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Moong Dal Ka Karaiyal, a beloved lentil dish hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other regions of Northern India. This recipe features crispy moong dal fritters simmered in a fragrant and flavorful spiced gravy. It's a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings.
My family often prepares this dish alongside moong dal vada or mangodi, utilizing leftover dal batter for the fritters. The result is a delightful culinary experience, especially when served with fluffy rice or roti and a tangy lemon-onion salad. This simple recipe is easy to make, yet delivers a complex depth of flavor.
The secret to this recipe lies in the perfectly whipped dal batter that creates light and airy fritters. Get ready to savor the unique textures and rich taste of this authentic North Indian specialty!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep4 hours
Cook35 minutes
Total4 hours 35 minutes
Calories388 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch
Recipe TasteSalty

Ingredients
 

For the Moong Dal Fritters

  • 1 cup Peas moong dal, split, with skins; soak for at least 6 hours or overnight, yellow
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder red
  • 1/2 tsp Asafoetida hing

For the Gravy

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Moong Dal Fritters

  • Soak the moong dal for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain well and remove the skins if desired. Blend the soaked dal into a smooth batter in a blender. Whip the batter vigorously until it becomes fluffy and light. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder to the batter. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the batter for later.

Make the Fritters

  • Heat about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan. Form small, even-sized balls from the dal batter and carefully fry them until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

Prepare the Gravy

  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Gravy

  • Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.

Combine and Finish

  • Once the oil begins to separate from the masala, add 5 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Gently add the fried moong dal fritters to the simmering gravy. Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

  • Stir in the garam masala. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with boiled rice or roti and a side of lemon-onion salad.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Moong Dal Ka Karaiyal

  • For extra fluffy fritters, let the whipped dal batter rest for 15-20 minutes before frying. This allows the gluten to develop, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the fritters for a distinct aroma.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can reduce the amount of water or simmer the dish for a bit longer.
  • Serving this with a simple side of lemon-onion salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. You can also consider adding a dollop of yogurt on top.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.50 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 27gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 633mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 807IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 5mg

Hem Lata Srivastava
Hem Lata Srivastava
Articles: 200
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4.50 from 4 votes

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