Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Oil for deep frying
Special equipment needed:
- A deep frying pan
- A blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 2-3 hours.
2. Drain the water and grind the chana dal in a blender or food processor until it becomes a coarse paste.
3. Add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and dried red chilies to the blender and grind them together with the chana dal paste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add salt and turmeric powder. Mix well.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls or dumplings.
7. Carefully drop the dumplings into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown.
8. Remove the fried dumplings from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
9. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 2-3 hours (for soaking the chana dal)
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Medium heat for frying
Serving size:
- 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any other lentil instead of chana dal.
- You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste.
Variations:
- You can add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the mixture for extra flavor.
- You can also add chopped spinach or other leafy greens to make it healthier.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the dumplings.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- You can store the leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can reheat the dumplings in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dumplings on a platter with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Garnishes:
- You can garnish the dumplings with chopped cilantro or mint leaves.
Pairings:
- Bori Bhaja goes well with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Suggested side dishes:
- You can serve Bori Bhaja with any vegetable curry or dal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumplings are breaking apart while frying, add some besan (gram flour) to the mixture to bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is not too hot, as it can cause burns or fires.
- Always use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the hot oil.
Food history:
- Bori Bhaja is a popular Bengali snack made from lentil dumplings.
Flavor profiles:
- Bori Bhaja has a crispy texture and a spicy, savory flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve Bori Bhaja as a snack or appetizer.
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Region: Indian