Recipe
There’s something magical about the rainy season, the sound of raindrops, the cool breeze, and the irresistible craving for hot, crispy snacks. One of the most popular treats to enjoy during monsoon in India is Chana Dal Kachori. Crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful spiced lentils on the inside, this snack is perfect to enjoy with a steaming cup of tea while watching the rain.
What is Chana Dal Kachori?
Chana Dal Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mixture of Bengal gram lentils (chana dal) and aromatic spices. It originates from North India and is often served as a street food snack or part of festive meals. Unlike sweet kachoris, this one is purely savory and bursting with flavors.
Why Chana Dal Kachori is Perfect for Monsoon
The rainy season often brings with it a dip in temperature, and that makes hot, spicy snacks all the more tempting. Chana Dal Kachori is not just delicious but also filling. The spices used in the filling such as fennel seeds, coriander, and hing (asafoetida) also help with digestion, which is particularly important during monsoon months when the body’s metabolism slows down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Chana Dal Kachori at home, you’ll need two main components: the outer dough and the filling.
For the Dough:
All-purpose flour (maida)
Ghee or oil
Salt
Water
For the Filling:
Chana dal (soaked for a few hours)
Ginger
Green chili
Fennel seeds
Cumin seeds
Coriander powder
Red chili powder
Asafoetida (hing)
Salt
Oil
Simple Method to Prepare
Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, salt, and ghee. Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: Drain the soaked chana dal and grind it coarsely. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, fennel, and hing. Add the dal and cook it with spices until dry and crumbly. Let it cool.
Assemble the Kachoris: Take a small ball of dough, flatten it, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and seal it. Roll gently without breaking it.
Fry Until Golden: Heat oil on medium flame and deep fry the kachoris until golden and crisp. Serve with Love.
Chana Dal Kachori tastes best when served hot with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or even plain curd. Pair it with a hot cup of masala tea and enjoy a cozy monsoon evening at home.
Crispy, spicy, and full of flavor, Chana Dal Kachori is a monsoon favorite across Indian households. It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience that brings comfort, warmth, and nostalgia with every bite. So this rainy season, ditch the packaged snacks and treat yourself and your family to homemade Chana Dal Kachori. It’s easier than you think and definitely more rewarding.
