Spicy Masoor Dal Fritters with Rice and Cilantro

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Spicy Masoor Dal Fritters with Rice and Cilantro are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that elevates your weeknight dinner game. These crispy fritters made from red lentils are not only easy to whip up but are also a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. Pair them with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro for a complete meal that is both satisfying and full of zest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Masoor Dal Fritters are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They’re packed with protein, full of flavor, and the crispy exterior is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be served in various ways.

• Quick and simple preparation.
• Healthy and hearty ingredients.
• Versatile—perfect as a snack or main dish.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers!
• Deliciously spicy with a crispy crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)

How to Make Spicy Masoor Dal Fritters

1. Rinse the masoor dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the lentils in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Drain the soaked lentils and transfer them to a blender. Add 1/2 cup of water and blend until you achieve a coarse paste. You may need to add more water if the mixture is too thick.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the lentil paste with chopped onion, green chilies, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, baking powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. For each fritter, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
5. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve the fritters hot over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Soak the lentils long enough to soften them, which helps in achieving the right texture for the fritters.
• Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy fritters; you can test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.

Easy Variations

• Add grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini to the batter for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Experiment with spices by adding garam masala or chat masala for a unique twist.
• Serve with a side of yogurt or a tangy tamarind chutney for an extra punch.

What to Serve With It

• A side of mint yogurt sauce or raita for cooling contrast.
• A fresh salad with cucumber and tomato to balance the spices.
• Pickled vegetables for an added zing.
• Flatbreads like naan or roti for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven (350°F) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can briefly pan-fry them again.

Recipe Card