MOONG DAL PAKODA / PAKORA / VADA

Pakode or Pakora or Vada are one of the best known appetizers, finger foods, and street food across India. Today I am sharing one of the most popular Moong Dal Pakoda which is not only delicious but very easy and quick snack. Moong Dal Pakoda is a favourite street side food in North India especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi. This is known as Pakodas/ Pakoras/ Bajiya / Vada / Fritters. It is an excellent appetizer for the parties and potlucks. This is a delicious and spicy snack, crunchy from outside and soft from the inside. The sweet dates and spicy mint chutney goes well with this pakodas. Allthough the moong dal pakoda faces a lot of competiton from its other counterparts such as Gol Gappe, Chaat Papdi it has still managed to crave its place in the hearts of millions of foodies. Moong Dal Pakode is the perfect evening snack that you can enjoy with a cup of tea of coffee, especially on a rainy / chilly winter day. Even they are deep fried, these bite-sized sensations never seem too heavy on your stomach. 

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Moong Dal / Yellow Lentil

¼ Cup Water

3tablespoon Rice Flour

2-3 Green Chillies, chopped finely

1 inch Ginger piece

1 tablespoon chopped Onion

2 tablespoon chopped Coriander

1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds / Jeera

Salt as needed

¼ teaspoon Baking Soda

Oil for frying

Mint/ Coriander / Tamarind chutney for serving

METHOD:

STEP 1 – Wash and soak moong dal for 4-5 hours in a bowl.

STEP 2 – Drain off the water my pouring it on a strainer.

 Now put it in a mixer pot and blend to a fine paste by adding water.

STEP 3 – Transfer the paste in a large mixing bowl. Add rice flour in it and mix well. [see notes]

STEP 4 – Then add chopped green chillies, onion, coriander, cumin seeds, grated ginger and salt. Mix it well.

STEP 5 – Heat oil in a wide vok on medium flame.

STEP 6 – Add baking soda and give a nice mix.

Dip hand into water and then take a vada batter

 and drop vadas into hot oil.

STEP 7 – Keep the flame low-medium and stir continuously. Deep fry vadas until golden light brown.

STEP 8 – Remove and drain excess oil on a kitchen towel / tissue paper

and serve hot.

Serve hot moong dal pakoda with your favourite chutney and enjoy....!!!

NOTES:  *If the batter is still liquidy, add some more rice flour. Rice flour helps to make the vada crispy.