Haldirams Moong Dal Kachori

Moong Dal Kachori is a popular North Indian snack that consists of deep-fried pastry filled with a spiced moong dal (yellow split lentil) mixture. It's a flavorful and indulgent dish often served with various chutneys and sauces. Here's a recipe for making moong dal kachori:

Ingredients:

For the kachori dough:

• All-purpose flour (maida): 1 cup
• Ghee or oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Water: As needed

For the moong dal filling:

• Yellow moong dal (split and skinless): 1/2 cup
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
• Green chilies: 1-2, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fennel seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
• Asafoetida (hing): 1/4 teaspoon
• Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala: 1/4 teaspoon
• Amchur (dry mango powder): 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Oil: 1 tablespoon

For deep frying:

• Oil

Instructions:

Preparing the kachori dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ghee or oil, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead to form a smooth and firm dough. The dough should not be too soft or sticky.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Making the moong dal filling:

1. Wash and soak the moong dal in water for about 2 hours. Drain the water.
2. Grind the soaked moong dal to a coarse paste without adding water. It should have a crumbly texture.
3. In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds.
4. Once the seeds crackle, add grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
5. Add the coarsely ground moong dal and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it's lightly roasted and aromatic.
6. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, amchur, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Let the filling cool down before using.

Assembling and frying the kachoris:

1. Divide the kachori dough into equal-sized balls.
2. Flatten a dough ball slightly and place a portion of the moong dal filling in the center.
3. Gather the edges of the dough to enclose the filling and seal it properly. Flatten the ball slightly.
4. Roll out the stuffed ball gently into a round kachori. Make sure the filling doesn't come out.
5. Heat oil for deep frying in a pan.
6. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the rolled kachori into the oil.
7. Fry the kachori on medium heat until it's golden brown and crispy on both sides.
8. Remove the kachori from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

Serving: Serve the hot moong dal kachoris with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt. They can also be enjoyed with aloo ki sabzi (potato curry) or as a standalone snack.

Moong Dal Kachoris are a delightful and indulgent treat with a crispy outer layer and a flavorful lentil filling. They are perfect for special occasions, tea time, or whenever you're craving a savory snack.