Lentil Fritters (Dhalir Bora) – Umm Safiyya’s Kitchen

By Rozina Aktar aka Umm Safiyya

This is a traditional Bengali snack loved by many people including me and my family. It is made of blended lentils with spices, onions, salt, green chillies and fresh coriander. It is a great snack or a starter to any meal. It is crunchy, spicy and so addictive. I love dipping them in sauces like ketchup and mint chutney.

It is a famous street food in Bangladesh. Every time I go visit Bangladesh, I have to have Dhalir Bora from the bazaar! It has also become a tradition to eat them during the month of Ramadan when breaking fasts.

It is usually accompanied by Chana Biran and Kisuri (lentil and rice porridge). I love combining these three foods together and eating them during Iftar (time to beak fast). Pure satisfaction!

It’s one of my favourite snacks and I really think you will love it too. If you try do it, be sure to tag me on Instagram @ummsafiyyaskitchen.

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Lentils
5 Green Chillies
1 Red Onion
Coriander
1 tsp Salt (add to your taste)
Oil for deep frying

Dry spices

1 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp curry Powder
1 tsp Coriander Powder

METHOD

1. Blend your lentils with a tiny amount of water. You can use a hand blender or a normal blender.

2. Finely cut your onions and mix with salt in a bowl. Mix with your hands as it softens the onions.

3. Add the coriander and green chillies and mix well.

4. Add all your dry spices, flour and the blended lentils and mix very well. The batter should not be runny at all. If runny add more flour.

5. In a pan, heat up the oil. Once very hot, make the batter into small balls and fry . The balls should start cooking straight away. Flip and stir as necessary so the balls are cooked evenly all over. Cook until crispy golden.