Dal Pakoda / Lentil Fritters

User profile image
Gayatri (@rene121)

Dal pakoda, also known as Bhajiya or lentil fritters, is a popular Indian snack made by deep frying a spiced mixture of soaked and ground lentils. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, dal pakodas are especially loved during the monsoon and winter seasons, often paired with a...

Dal Pakoda / Lentil Fritters recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = Approximately 2-3 fritters)
  • Peas parippu or peas lentils
    Peas parippu or peas lentils
    1/4cup
  • medium Onion
    medium Onion
    2
  • Green chilli
    Green chilli
    3
  • Chopped ginger and garlic
    Chopped ginger and garlic
    1 1/2tsp
  • Fennel seeds
    Fennel seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Asafoetida powder
    Asafoetida powder
    1/4tsp
  • Dried red chilli
    Dried red chilli
    3
  • Coriander leaves
    Coriander leaves
    2tbsp
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    1sprig
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying
    Oil for deep frying

How to make Dal Pakoda / Lentil Fritters

  1. Step 1

    Soak the lentils along with dried red chilli for 3 hours.

    Step 1.1: Soak the lentils along with dried red chilli for 3 hours
  2. Step 2

    Drain out the water and grind the lentils to a coarse paste without adding water.

    Step 1.1: Drain out the water and grind the lentils to a coarse paste without adding water
  3. Step 3

    Transfer the paste to a bowl.

  4. Step 4

    Slice the onions and transfer them to a bowl. Gently mix with your hands until the onions become soft.

    Step 1.1: Slice the onions and transfer them to a bowl
  5. Step 5

    Add the coarsely ground lentils, chopped green chilli, chopped ginger and garlic, fennel seeds, chopped curry leaves, chopped coriander leaves, and salt to the onion.

  6. Step 6

    Mix everything well.

    Step 1.1: Mix everything well
  7. Step 7

    Heat oil for deep frying in a kadhai.

  8. Step 8

    When the oil becomes hot, take a small ball of the mixture, gently press it with your hands to make a vada shape, and drop it into the hot oil.

    Step 1.1: When the oil becomes hot, take a small ball of the mixture, gently press it with your hands to make a vada shape, and drop it into the hot oil
    Step 1.2: When the oil becomes hot, take a small ball of the mixture, gently press it with your hands to make a vada shape, and drop it into the hot oil
  9. Step 9

    Deep fry the fritters until golden brown and crispy.

  10. Step 10

    Serve the dal pakodas hot and enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

15.0kcal (0.75%)

Protein

1.1g (2.26%)

Carbs

2.5g (0.93%)

Sugars

0.3g (0.6%)

Healthy Fat

0.1g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the lentils are soaked properly for at least 3 hours to achieve the right texture.

  2. Do not add water while grinding the lentils to maintain a coarse consistency.

  3. Adjust the spice level by varying the quantity of green and dried red chillies.

  4. Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

  5. Pair the pakodas with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup for added flavor.

FAQS

  1. Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use other lentils like moong dal or chana dal, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

  2. Can I make dal pakodas without deep frying?

    While traditional dal pakodas are deep-fried, you can try shallow frying or air frying for a healthier alternative.

  3. How do I store leftover dal pakodas?

    Store leftover pakodas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.

  4. Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Fry the pakodas just before serving.

  5. What can I serve with dal pakodas?

    Dal pakodas pair well with green chutney, tamarind chutney, ketchup, or even a cup of hot tea.

Loading reviews...

rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia