How to make delicious Moong Dal kachori easily at home.

About

Moong Dal kachori is a popular North Indian snack that originated in Rajasthan but is now enjoyed all over the country. It is a deep-fried, crispy pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. Moong Dal kachori come in various shapes and sizes and can be found in both sweet and savory variations. They are usually served with chutneys and pickles and are a perfect snack for any time of the day. Kachoris are also a popular street food in India and can be found in almost every corner of the country. They are easy to make and can be stored for a few days, making them a perfect snack for picnics, potlucks, or any other occasion.

Moong Dal kachori is a popular snack in India that is made from a crispy, flaky pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Moong Dal kachori at home:

Ingredients For Making Moong Dal kachori:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup water

For the filling For Making Moong Dal kachori:

• 1 cup yellow moong dal
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp amchur powder (dried mango powder)
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for deep frying

Directions For Making Moong Dal kachori:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and oil. Mix well until the flour is crumbly.
2. Add the water gradually and knead the mixture to form a smooth and firm dough. Cover the dough and set it aside for 15-20 minutes.
3. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Rinse the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 2-3 hours.
4. Drain the water and grind the dal to a coarse paste using a food processor or grinder.
5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds and let them splutter.
6. Add the ground moong dal to the pan and stir well.
7. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 10-12 minutes until the filling is dry and cooked through.
8. Allow the filling to cool completely.
9. Take the dough and divide it into equal-sized balls.
10. Roll out each ball into a small circle using a rolling pin.
11. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the circle.
12. Bring the edges of the circle together and pinch to seal the kachori.
13. Flatten the kachori slightly and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
14. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
15. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide the kachoris into the oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
16. Drain the excess oil and serve the Moong Dal kachori hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Note: You can also bake the Moong Dal kachori in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a healthier option.

Nutrition value Moong Dal kachori

Moong Dal kachori is a tasty and satisfying snack, but it is not the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content. One serving of kachori (one piece) contains approximately 200-250 calories. The filling is usually made with lentils and spices, which are a good source of protein and fiber. However, the pastry shell is made with all-purpose flour and deep-fried in oil, which adds to the calorie and fat count. Kachori is also high in sodium, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure.

While kachori is not the most nutritious snack, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To make it a healthier option, you can try baking it instead of deep-frying it. You can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of flours to make the pastry shell. Adding vegetables such as grated carrots or spinach to the filling can also boost its nutritional value. Additionally, serving kachori with a side of fresh salad or vegetables can help balance out its calorie count and provide additional nutrients.

What are some variations or regional specialties of Moong Dal kachori?

Moong Dal kachori is a versatile snack that can have variations and regional specialties across India. Some notable variations include:
Rajasthani Pyaaz Ki Kachori: This variation adds finely chopped onions and a blend of aromatic spices to the Moong Dal filling, giving it a unique flavor and texture.
Uttar Pradesh Bedmi Puri: Bedmi Puri is a popular variation from Uttar Pradesh, where the Moong Dal filling is spiced with ginger, asafoetida, and other spices. The dough is often made with a mix of wheat flour and lentil flour, resulting in a hearty and flavorful kachori.
Bengali Radhaballabhi: Radhaballabhi is a specialty from West Bengal, where the Moong Dal kachori is stuffed with a spicy urad dal (split black lentil) filling. It is typically served with aloo dum (spiced potato curry) and is a popular breakfast item in the region.
These variations showcase the diverse culinary traditions of India and offer unique flavors and ingredients to the classic Moong Dal kachori.

Tips and Tricks

Making Moong Dal kachori, a popular Indian fried pastry filled with spiced lentil stuffing, requires some technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious Moong Dal kachori:

1. Properly soak and grind the lentils: Soak the split yellow moong dal (lentils) for a few hours to soften them. Drain the water and grind the lentils coarsely. Be careful not to make a smooth paste, as the texture should be grainy for the filling.
2. Spices and seasonings: Toast and grind whole spices like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns to make a flavorful spice mixture. Incorporate this mixture along with other spices like red chili powder, turmeric, ginger, and asafoetida (hing) to enhance the taste of the filling.
3. Texture of the dough: Prepare the dough for the kachori using all-purpose flour (maida) or a mix of all-purpose flour and semolina (sooji). The dough should be stiff yet pliable. Add a little ghee or oil to make it crispy. Rest the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to relax and become easier to work with.
4. Proper filling and sealing: Take a small portion of the dough, flatten it into a small disk, and place a spoonful of the lentil filling in the center. Bring the edges of the dough together and seal it tightly, ensuring there are no gaps. Pinch off any excess dough. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
5. Fry on low to medium heat: Heat enough oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying the kachori. Fry them on low to medium heat to ensure they cook thoroughly and evenly. Frying on high heat may result in undercooked centers and over-browning of the outer crust.
6. Drain excess oil: After frying, place the kachori on a paper towel or a wire rack to remove any excess oil. This helps keep them light and prevents them from becoming overly greasy.
7. Serve with accompaniments: Moong Dal kachori is often served with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney. The combination of these flavorful accompaniments adds an extra dimension to the overall taste.
8. Practice portion control: Moong Dal kachori is quite rich and calorie-dense. Practice portion control and enjoy them as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack.

By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve crispy and delicious Moong Dal kachori with a flavorful filling. Enjoy them as a snack or as part of a festive meal.

Health Benefits

While Moong Dal kachori is a tasty and indulgent snack, it is important to note that it is typically deep-fried and made with refined flour, which limits its potential health benefits. However, here are a few aspects to consider:

1. Good source of protein: Moong Dal used in the kachori is a good source of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and providing energy.
2. Nutrient-rich lentils: Moong Dal is also rich in essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins (B-complex vitamins), and minerals (iron, potassium). These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being.
3. Portion control and balance: Enjoying Moong Dal kachori in moderation as part of a balanced diet can still provide satisfaction and enjoyment. Pairing it with healthier accompaniments like fresh salads or yogurt-based dips can add some nutritional value.

It’s important to note that Moong Dal kachori is deep-fried and typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation and as an occasional treat. For individuals with specific dietary needs or health conditions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if and how Moong Dal kachori can fit into their dietary plans.

Serving Suggestions.

Here are some serving suggestions for Moong Dal Kachori:

1. Chutneys and Dips: Serve Moong Dal Kachori with various chutneys and dips like tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, or yogurt-based raita. These condiments add a burst of flavor and freshness to the crispy kachori.
2. Side Salad: Pair the kachoris with a simple side salad of sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and chaat masala. This provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy kachoris.
3. Curries and Subzis: Moong Dal Kachori can be enjoyed with a variety of curries and vegetable preparations. Aloo ki Sabzi (potato curry), Chana Masala (chickpea curry), or Dum Aloo are popular choices to complement the kachoris.
4. Tea or Coffee: Moong Dal Kachori is a classic snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The crispy texture of the kachori pairs well with the warmth of the beverage.
5. Chaat Variations: Turn Moong Dal Kachori into a chaat by adding chopped onions, tomatoes, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), yogurt, and chutneys. This transforms the kachori into a delightful street food-style dish.
6. Accompaniments: Alongside kachoris, you can serve a variety of pickles, papads, or roasted namkeens for an added crunch and tangy flavor.

Remember, Moong Dal Kachori is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways, so feel free to get creative with your serving choices!

FAQs