Want to make these crispy Moong Dal Koftas at home? Watch the full recipe video on YouTube to see how soaked moong beans are blended, mixed with fresh herbs and spices, and fried until golden and crunchy. Press play below and cook along with us!
Crispy Moong Dal Koftas
These crispy moong dal koftas are made with soaked split moong beans, fresh vegetables, aromatic fennel seeds, and cilantro. The mixture is blended just enough to hold together while retaining some texture, giving the koftas their characteristic rustic appearance.
Unlike perfectly smooth and round fritters, these koftas have slightly rough edges. This helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside cooked and flavourful.
The recipe uses simple ingredients and fresh herbs to build flavour. Once the mixture is prepared, shape it into small, irregular portions and fry until golden brown. You can also air-fry the koftas, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Moong Dal Koftas
- Split moong beans, soaked
- Onion, diced
- Fresh ginger, diced
- Green pepper, diced
- Fennel seeds
- Salt
- Fresh cilantro or your favourite herbs
- Oil, for deep-frying
How to Make Crispy Moong Dal Koftas
Step 1. Soak and Blend the Moong Beans
Start by soaking the split moong beans for about four hours. Once they are ready, drain the water and transfer the beans to a blender.
Blend briefly until the beans are ground but still retain some texture. The mixture should not be completely smooth. Instead, it should have a slightly coarse consistency that holds together when pressed.
Transfer the ground moong beans to a mixing bowl.
Step 2. Prepare the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, diced ginger, and diced green pepper to the ground moong beans.
These ingredients bring freshness and flavour to the koftas. Mix them into the moong bean mixture before adding the spices and herbs.
Step 3. Grind the Fennel Seeds
Take the fennel seeds and grind them roughly. Add the ground fennel to the mixing bowl.
Fennel adds an aromatic flavour to the koftas and complements the fresh ingredients. Next, add the salt and mix everything together.
Step 4. Add the Fresh Herbs
Add a generous handful of fresh cilantro or another herb of your choice.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and can be shaped into portions. The mixture should hold together without needing to be completely smooth.
Step 5. Shape the Koftas
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into rustic, irregular koftas.
You do not need to make them perfectly round or smooth. The slightly jagged edges create more surface area, helping the outside become crisp during frying.
Continue shaping the remaining mixture before moving on to the frying stage.
Step 6. Fry the Moong Dal Koftas
Heat the frying oil to approximately 350°F. Carefully add the koftas to the hot oil, leaving enough space between them so they can cook evenly.
Fry for about 7 to 10 minutes, or until the koftas become golden brown and crunchy on the outside and are cooked through inside.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as each kofta needs enough room to fry properly.
Step 7. Turn and Remove the Koftas
Allow the koftas to cook before turning them. The mixture is relatively crumbly, so moving them too early or handling them repeatedly can cause them to break apart.
Turn them gently once they have cooked sufficiently on one side. Continue frying until they are browned and crisp.
Remove the finished koftas from the oil and serve them while warm.
How to Cook Moong Dal Koftas in an Air Fryer
The recipe also allows for air-frying instead of deep-frying. Shape the mixture as described and cook the koftas in the air fryer until they are cooked through and develop a browned exterior.
The video does not specify an air-fryer temperature or cooking time, so follow the cooking process appropriate for your appliance rather than relying on an unverified setting.
Enjoy Your Crispy Moong Dal Koftas
These moong dal koftas combine the earthy flavour of split moong beans with fresh onion, ginger, green pepper, fennel, and herbs. Their rustic shape and crunchy exterior make them a delicious way to enjoy a lentil-based recipe.
Serve them fresh after cooking to enjoy their crisp texture.
Watch More Vegan Recipes on YouTube
If you enjoyed this Crispy Moong Dal Koftas recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to the Pickled Onions: Vegan Adventures YouTube channel for more easy, creative vegan recipes, cooking inspiration, and delicious plant-based meal ideas.