Masoor Dal Tikki Recipe | Red Lentils Cutlets Recipe
As a housewife food blogger and critic, I am always on the lookout for scrumptious and innovative dishes that are both delightful to the palate and nourishing to the body. I have found that perfect balance in Masoor Dal Tikki, an appetizer that is the embodiment of the word “mouthwatering.” The rich aroma and taste of this dish, coupled with its soft yet crispy texture, create a sensory experience that is difficult to forget. Each bite takes me back to cherished moments spent with loved ones, gathered around the table, savoring this heavenly treat.
What is Masoor Dal Tikki
Masoor Dal Tikki is an Indian appetizer made from cooked and spiced masoor dal (red lentils) that is shaped into small patties and pan-fried until golden and crispy. The dish boasts an enticing blend of flavors, including the earthy taste of the lentils, the warmth of the spices, and the fresh burst of herbs. With its rich and satisfying taste, Masoor Dal Tikki is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of steaming hot tea or an excellent appetizer for a festive gathering.
Variations of Masoor Dal Tikki
The beauty of Masoor Dal Tikki lies in its versatility. With just a few tweaks to the ingredients, you can create a variety of unique and delicious tikkis that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Aloo Masoor Dal Tikki: Give your Masoor Dal Tikki an extra layer of flavor and texture by incorporating boiled and mashed potatoes into the mix. Replace half the quantity of masoor dal with an equal amount of boiled potatoes, and follow the recipe as usual. The potatoes lend a delightful creaminess to the tikkis and make them even more satisfying.
Spinach Masoor Dal Tikki: Add a nutritious touch to your tikkis by including chopped spinach in the recipe. Mix about 1 cup of finely chopped spinach into the masoor dal mixture, ensuring that it’s well combined. The spinach not only enhances the nutritional profile of the tikkis but also imparts a lovely, subtle flavor.
Baked Masoor Dal Tikki: For a healthier alternative to shallow frying, you can bake the Masoor Dal Tikkis in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), place the tikkis on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush them with a little oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tikkis are golden brown and crisp, turning them over halfway through the baking process.
Stuffed Masoor Dal Tikki: Elevate your Masoor Dal Tikki experience by stuffing them with a delicious filling of your choice. Consider options like grated paneer, crumbled feta cheese, or even a spicy mixture of peas and potatoes. To stuff the tikkis, simply make a small indent in the center of each patty, add the filling, and carefully seal the tikki around it before frying or baking.
Nutritional Benefits of Masoor Dal Tikki
Masoor Dal Tikki is more than just a tasty snack; it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a nourishing addition to your meal plan.
Protein Powerhouse: The masoor dal (red lentils) used in this recipe is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscles, supporting immune function, and providing energy. Including Masoor Dal Tikki in your diet can help you meet your daily protein requirements, particularly if you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Fiber-Rich: Red lentils are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes healthy bowel movements. Consuming fiber-rich foods like Masoor Dal Tikki can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Masoor dal is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for various bodily functions. Incorporating Masoor Dal Tikki into your meals can help you meet your daily nutritional needs and support overall health and well-being.
Customizable Nutrition: One of the key benefits of making Masoor Dal Tikki at home is the ability to control the ingredients and their nutritional content. By experimenting with different ingredients, such as spinach or other types of lentils, you can create a more nutritious and well-rounded snack that caters to your specific dietary preferences.
Step By Step Masoor Dal Tikki Recipe
Masoor Dal Tikki Recipe | Red Lentils Cutlets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup masoor dal or orange lentils or split yellow lentils
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- pinch Asafoetida / hing
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup Besan / Gram flour
- 1 Onions
- 1 green chillies
- 2 garlic
- ½ tsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- pinch chaat masala
- 1 tsp suji / rava / semolina
- 2-3 tbsp oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Rinse dal well till clean water comes up. Then, soak for ½ hour.
- Finely chop onion, garlic and green chili.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium to low flame and add 1 tsp cumin seeds, pinch of asafoetida, ½ tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp red chili powder and 1 tsp salt. Sauté all the spices for few seconds till fragnant.
- Drain the water from the dal and add in the pan.
- Also add 1 cup of water and mix with the dal.
- Cover the pan and cook till dal tender for approx. 8-10 mins over low flame.
- Then, transfer to a bowl and let the dal cools down before proceeding further.
- Now, add ¼ cup gram flour, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped green chili, 2 chopped garlic cloves, ½ tsp kasuri methi, 1/4 tsp garam masala and pinch of chaat masala to the dal.
- Mix everything well with the dal.
- Then, add 1 tsp semolina and mix again. Wait for 5 minutes for semolina to thicken in the dal. You would get perfect batter for the tikki.
- Now, apply some oil to your palms and take 1- ½ tbsp batter and form the shape of a tikki. Make all tikkis in the same way.
- Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in a wide pan over medium flame.
- And, carefully place all the tikkis in the pan.
- Do not disturb the tikkis for at least 2-3 minutes, so thar base would get firm and then flip to the other side.
- Fry(pan fry) till golden and crisp. You need to flip couple of times for evenly cooking. Be gentle while flipping so that tikkis would not break.
- Serve with tomato sauce, yogurt dip or chutney.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Adjust salt and spices as per your taste preference.
- Use any vegetable neutral tasting oil for frying the tikkis.
- You can also grind the dal to a fine paste before adding other ingredients. But, I recommend to cook it, as tikki tastes better with dal bits and pieces.
- You can also add ½ cup grated paneer/cottage cheese or bread crumbs for binding the tikkis.
- Applying oil to your palms help the tikkis not to stick to the palms.
- Make sure oil is medium hot before placing the tikkis otherwise tikkis would soak too much oil making it soggy.
- Soaking the dal helps in faster cooking.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs -. Masoor Dal Tikki Recipe
How can I make Masoor Dal Tikki gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Masoor Dal Tikki, replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative such as almond meal, ground oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This simple swap allows you to enjoy the delicious taste and texture of Masoor Dal Tikki without the gluten.
What can I serve Masoor Dal Tikki with?
Masoor Dal Tikki can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and chutneys to enhance the flavor experience. Some popular options include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, yogurt sauce, or even a simple tomato ketchup. Get creative and try out different combinations to find your favorite pairing.
Can I freeze Masoor Dal Tikki for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Masoor Dal Tikki for future use. To do so, arrange the uncooked tikkis on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Then, transfer the frozen tikkis to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the tikkis in the refrigerator and cook them as per the recipe instructions.
Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?
While Masoor Dal Tikki is traditionally made with red lentils, you can certainly experiment with other types of lentils, such as green or brown lentils. Keep in mind that the cooking time and water requirement may vary for different lentils, so adjust the recipe accordingly.
How can I make the Masoor Dal Tikki crispier?
To make your Masoor Dal Tikki crispier, ensure that your pan and oil are hot enough before frying the tikkis. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the tikkis to steam instead of fry. If you prefer baking the tikkis, consider using a wire rack on your baking sheet to promote even air circulation and crisping.
Are Masoor Dal Tikkis vegan?
Masoor Dal Tikki can easily be made vegan by ensuring that all the ingredients used in the recipe are plant-based. Most recipes, including the one provided here, are already vegan, as they use oil for frying and don’t contain any animal-derived products.
How long can I store cooked Masoor Dal Tikkis?
Cooked Masoor Dal Tikkis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat them, place the tikkis on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.
Can I use an air fryer to cook Masoor Dal Tikki?
Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook Masoor Dal Tikki for a healthier, less oily version. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C), arrange the tikkis in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
You might also be interested in:
Discovering the Delights of Asparagus
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine.
It would mean the world to us, if you follow, like or subscribe on: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
