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Crispy, savory lentil fritters from Bengal, made with masoor dal. These crunchy delights are a perfect tea-time snack or a wonderful side with a simple meal of dal and rice. This recipe requires the dal to be soaked for at least 2 hours before preparation.
Soak the Dal
Grind the Dal
Prepare the Batter
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Crispy, savory lentil fritters from Bengal, made with masoor dal. These crunchy delights are a perfect tea-time snack or a wonderful side with a simple meal of dal and rice. This recipe requires the dal to be soaked for at least 2 hours before preparation.
This bengali recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 327.15 calories per serving with 12.43g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer or side.
Fry the Boras
Drain and Serve
You can make this recipe with other lentils like chana dal (Bengal gram) or matar dal (split yellow peas). The soaking time may vary.
Mix in finely chopped spinach (palak), fenugreek leaves (methi), or grated carrots into the batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Use these fried boras to make a light, delicious Bengali curry. Simmer them in a thin gravy made with potatoes, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and ginger.
For a classic Bengali touch, add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds (posto) to the batter for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Masoor dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
The lentils in Daler Bora provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
This snack is a source of important minerals like iron, which is vital for preventing anemia, and folate, which is crucial for cell growth and metabolism.
The key to crispy Daler Bora is a thick, coarse batter with very little water. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of rice flour also significantly enhances the crispiness. Frying on steady medium heat ensures they cook through and become perfectly crunchy.
Yes, you can. For an air-fried version, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Brush the boras lightly with oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be less traditional but still delicious and much lower in fat.
Daler Bora is best served hot and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce), green chutney, or tomato ketchup. It's also a popular side dish with a simple meal of rice and dal, or enjoyed as a snack with a cup of tea and some Muri (puffed rice).
Daler Bora has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. The base of lentils is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. However, deep-frying adds a significant amount of fat and calories. To make it healthier, you can pan-fry with less oil or use an air fryer.
A serving of 5 Daler Boras (approximately 88g) contains around 230-280 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. The majority of the calories come from the lentils and the cooking oil.
Yes, you can prepare the batter (without adding onions and salt) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the chopped onions and salt just before frying, as they release water and can make the batter runny.