Loading...
A comforting Assamese curry featuring soft, spongy lentil fritters simmered in a tangy and lightly spiced tomato gravy. This traditional dish is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, perfect with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Lentil Fritter (Bor) Batter
Fry the Lentil Fritters (Bor)
A dhaba-style classic featuring tender urad dal fried with a fragrant masala of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. This semi-dry lentil dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with hot naan or roti.
A vibrant and energizing Indian-style bowl packed with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and wholesome seeds in a lightly sweetened, cardamom-infused yogurt base. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack, this no-cook recipe is ready in just 10 minutes.
A wholesome and savory porridge made from broken wheat and mixed vegetables. This one-pot meal is a popular, nutritious breakfast or light lunch option across India, ready in under 30 minutes.
A savory and wholesome Indian breakfast made with roasted vermicelli, colorful vegetables, and a fragrant tempering of spices. This quick one-pot meal is light on the stomach and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
A comforting Assamese curry featuring soft, spongy lentil fritters simmered in a tangy and lightly spiced tomato gravy. This traditional dish is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, perfect with steamed rice.
This indian recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 301.58 calories per serving with 14.44g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make the Curry Base (Anja)
Cook the Masala
Simmer and Finish the Curry
Add diced potatoes along with the onions in the gravy, or add green peas to the simmering gravy for extra texture and nutrition.
While masoor dal is traditional, you can make the fritters with chana dal (split chickpeas) or a mix of masoor and moong dal for a different flavor profile.
For a richer, less traditional version, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
Masoor dal (red lentils) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
The lentils and tomatoes provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also contribute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish. The masoor dal fritters are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. The tomato-based gravy is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Frying the fritters adds calories, but you can shallow-fry or use an air fryer for a healthier version.
A single serving of Bilahi Boror Anja contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. The majority of calories come from the lentils and the oil.
Hard fritters are usually due to two reasons: the batter was too thin, or it wasn't whisked enough. Ensure you use minimal water while grinding the dal and whisk the batter vigorously for at least 4-5 minutes to make it light and airy.
Absolutely! You can fry the fritters a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add them to the hot, simmering gravy right before serving.
Yes, you can use canned tomato puree for convenience. Use about 1.5 cups of good-quality canned puree. You may need to adjust the sugar and salt as canned products can vary in taste.
Panch Phoron is a traditional Bengali and Assamese five-spice blend containing fenugreek, nigella, cumin, black mustard, and fennel seeds in equal parts. If you don't have it, you can use 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp mustard seeds as a basic substitute, though the flavor will be different.