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Classic Moong Dal Kachori

Moong Dal Kachori

Crispy fried pastries filled with a spiced yellow lentil mixture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking and Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 kachoris
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Pastry Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour maida
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil warm
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water plus extra as needed
Lentil Filling
  • 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal soaked for 1 hour and drained
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking filling
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds coarsely crushed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds coarsely crushed
  • 1 tablespoon besan chickpea flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mango powder amchur
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida hing
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
Frying
  • as needed neutral oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • 1 Deep frying pan or Kadai A heavy-bottomed pan helps maintain steady oil temperature.
  • 1 Slotted spoon For lowering and removing kachoris safely from hot oil.

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the 1/4 cup of warm oil and rub it thoroughly into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. Gradually add water a little at a time and knead to form a firm, stiff dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Drain the soaked moong dal completely. Transfer it to a food processor or pulse grinder and pulse a few times to get a coarse, grainy texture without making a smooth paste.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crushed fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Add the besan and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground moong dal, red chili powder, garam masala, dry mango powder, and salt. Stir continuously for 4 to 5 minutes until the filling is dry and crumbly. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Divide the rested dough and cooled filling into 8 equal portions. Roll a dough ball into a small circle, place a filling portion in the center, bring the edges up to enclose the filling, and pinch to seal securely. Flatten gently with your palm.
  6. Heat oil in a deep pan over low heat. Slip a few stuffed kachoris into the warm oil. Fry slowly on low heat, turning occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Notes

Ensure the oil remains at a low temperature during frying so the thick pastry cooks all the way through without burning.