I happened to drop by at a friend place in Hyderabad and was served these delicious moong dal pakoras with sweet and sour Kokum chutney.
Moong dal Pakoras
Ingredients
1 cup oil for frying or ghee
1 tbsp oil for binding
½ tsp hing or asafoetida
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp roasted cumin seeds
1 tbsp fresh ginger,finely grated
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup grated cauliflower or broccoli or cabbage
½ bunch spinach, or methi leaves finely chopped
½ cup moong dal flour
½ cup arrowroot flour
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
1 small bunch coriander,finely chopped
Method:
Combine all of the ingredients (except the oil) together in a large bowl until well mixed. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Slowly add the oil and make a soft dough, If the dough is too watery add a little extra flour to have a pakora dough consistency.Form the mixture into small lime size balls, in the palm of your hand.Heat enough ghee or oil in a small pot to shallow fry the balls. Test one of the balls to make sure the oil is hot enough - it should start frying straightaway and not stick to the bottom. Carefully place a few balls at a time into the pot and slowly fry until golden brown. Once cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towel.
Serve these pakoras hot with kokum chutney for an afternoon snack.