Lentil Dal with Chickpea Pancakes

Name: Lentil Dal with Chickpea Pancakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: India
Ingredients: 200 g of red lentils; 2 tbsp of olive oil; 1 onions (medium, chopped); 2 garlic (cloves, crushed); 1 tsp of ginger (grated); 200 g of crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp of turmeric; 1 tsp of ground cumin; 1 tsp of ground coriander; 1 tsp of garam masala; 500 ml of water; 200 ml of coconut milk; 1 pinch of pepper; 1 pinch of salt; 1 pinch of cilantro (fresh, for garnish); 150 g of chickpea flour; 200 ml of water; 1/2 red onion (small, finely chopped); 1 red chili pepper (chopped); 2 tbsp of cilantro (fresh, chopped); 2 tbsp of vegetable oil

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A flavorful, comforting vegetarian dish of Indian origin, made of a spiced lentil dal and crispy pancakes made with chickpea flour.

Total time: 1 h 10
Prep: 25 min
Cook: 45 min
Difficulty: Medium
Per person: €0.75

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

450kcal

Protein17 g18%
Carbs42 g45%
Fat15 g36%
Fiber11 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For a creamier dal, let it simmer longer. Adjust the level of spices to your preference. Serve with plain yogurt or raita to balance the flavors.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Dal and cooked pancakes freeze very well separately, up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 4 days max in airtight containers in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The dal and pancakes can be made ahead. Store separately in the fridge.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Dal: saucepan over low heat or microwave. Pancakes: oven 8-10 min at 180°C, air fryer 5-7 min or skillet to crisp up.

Variations

Sprinkle the dal with fresh cilantro.
Add the chopped chili to the pancake batter to your taste.
Serve the dal piping hot with the pancakes.

Mistakes to avoid

Forgetting to rinse the lentils: rinse them until the water runs clear.
Burning the spices: cook them for just a few seconds.
Adding the coconut milk too early: add it once the lentils are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make the dal?

Sauté the onion, garlic and ginger, toast the spices for a few seconds, add the tomatoes, then the rinsed lentils and the water, and cook gently until the lentils are tender.

When should you add the coconut milk?

Once the lentils are very tender, add the coconut milk, stir, and season with salt and pepper to taste, then let simmer a few more minutes to get a creamy dal.

How do you make the chickpea pancakes?

Mix the chickpea flour and water until you have a smooth batter, add the red onion, chili and cilantro, season with salt, then spread portions of batter in an oiled skillet.

How long should you cook the pancakes?

Cook each pancake for a few minutes on each side in an oiled nonstick skillet, until well golden and slightly crispy, then repeat with the rest of the batter.