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A classic Odia delicacy, Saga Bara are crispy, savory fritters made from black gram lentils and fresh spinach. Infused with the warmth of ginger and a kick of green chilies, these fluffy vadas are a perfect tea-time snack or appetizer, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Soak and Grind the Dal (4-6 hours soaking + 5 minutes grinding)
Aerate and Season the Batter (10 minutes)
Heat Oil and Fry the Baras (15-20 minutes)
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A classic Odia delicacy, Saga Bara are crispy, savory fritters made from black gram lentils and fresh spinach. Infused with the warmth of ginger and a kick of green chilies, these fluffy vadas are a perfect tea-time snack or appetizer, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
This odia recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 302.94 calories per serving with 12.68g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Serve Hot
For extra flavor, add 1 finely chopped onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the batter along with the spinach.
Replace spinach with other traditional greens like amaranth leaves (kosala saga) or finely chopped fenugreek leaves (methi saga).
Soak the freshly fried baras in lukewarm salted water for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out the water and soak them in sweetened, spiced yogurt (dahi) to make a delicious Saga Dahi Bara.
Urad dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, building tissues, and overall body function.
Spinach is packed with iron, a mineral crucial for forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
Both urad dal and spinach contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
The inclusion of ginger and asafoetida not only adds flavor but also possesses digestive properties, helping to reduce bloating and indigestion.
The secret to crispy Saga Bara lies in three things: a very thick batter with minimal water, adding 2 tablespoons of rice flour, and frying on a consistent medium heat until they are deep golden brown.
This usually happens if the oil is not hot enough when you start frying. Ensure the oil is at a medium-hot temperature before sliding in the baras. A small drop of batter should rise to the surface immediately with a steady sizzle.
While traditional Saga Bara is deep-fried, you can make a healthier version in an air fryer. Brush the shaped baras with a little oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Saga Bara contains healthy ingredients like protein-rich urad dal and iron-rich spinach. However, since it is deep-fried, it is high in calories and fat. It's best enjoyed in moderation as a treat. The air-fried version is a healthier alternative.
One serving of Saga Bara (approximately 4 pieces) contains around 310-340 calories, primarily from the urad dal and the oil absorbed during frying.
Store leftover Saga Bara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or a hot oven for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.