Crispy Chana Dal Kebab Recipe: Healthy, Protein-Packed & Perfect Appetizer

Looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer that's sure to impress? These Crispy Chana Dal Kebabs are the perfect choice! Made with nutritious chana dal and a blend of spices, these kebabs are not only protein-packed but also incredibly tasty. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 green chilies, finely chopped

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)

• Salt to taste

• Oil for shallow frying

• Lemon wedges and mint chutney for serving

Instructions:

1. Soak the Chana Dal:

   • Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 2 hours. Drain the water completely before using.

2. Cook the Chana Dal:

   • In a pot, add the soaked chana dal and enough water to cover it. Cook until the dal is tender but still holds its shape. Drain any excess water and let it cool.

3. Blend the Dal:

   • In a food processor, blend the cooked chana dal to a coarse paste. Do not over-process; the mixture should be chunky.

4. Mix the Ingredients:

   • Transfer the blended dal to a large bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, fresh coriander leaves, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Shape the Kebabs:

   • Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round patties or kebabs.

6. Shallow Fry the Kebabs:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the kebabs in the pan and shallow fry until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Make sure to cook them on medium heat to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.

7. Serve Hot:

   • Serve the crispy chana dal kebabs hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney or any dip of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Kebabs:

• Consistency: If the mixture is too soft to shape, add a little gram flour (besan) or breadcrumbs to get the right consistency.

• Variation: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.

• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the kebabs in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

These Crispy Chana Dal Kebabs are not only a perfect appetizer for parties and get-togethers but also make a great snack or light meal. They are packed with the goodness of chana dal and spices, making them a healthy and tasty treat for everyone.

Enjoy making and savoring these delicious kebabs, and let them become a favorite in your recipe collection!

I hope you enjoy preparing and relishing this tasty appetizer. If you need more recipes or any other assistance, just let me know! 😊🥙✨