LENTIL CAKES

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Lentil Cakes image

In India, these light, spongy snacks from the region of Gujarat are as popular as samosas or pakoras, but they are much easier to make.

Provided by Food Network

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided, plus extra for greasing
4 ounces plain yogurt
3 1/2 ounces gram flour (chickpea flour)
1 to 2 thin green chiles, seeds removed
1 (1/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons water, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar, divided
3/4 teaspoon Eno's fruit salts* or baking powder
1 teaspoon mustard seeds*
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
12 curry leaves*
Handful chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Handful freshly grated coconut, for garnish

Steps:

  • Grease a 7-inch cake pan with vegetable oil. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt and the gram flour together to a smooth batter.
  • In a food processor, blend the green chiles, ginger, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons of the water to a smooth paste. Add the chile paste, turmeric, salt, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar to the batter, and stir until well combined. Loosen the batter if necessary with a teaspoon of water to return it to the consistency of heavy cream. Add the fruit salts, and stir well to combine, then set aside for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Fill the saucepan of an 8-inch double boiler with water and bring to a boil. (Alternatively, place a biscuit cutter of the same size or an upturned heatproof bowl into a large, heavy-based pan and pour enough water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the bowl. Cover the pan with a lid and bring the water to a boil.)
  • Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and carefully lower it into the double boiler. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the cake over a medium heat for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and fry for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the mustard seeds start to pop. Be careful of the popping seeds and splatter of oil.
  • When the mustard seeds have started to pop, add the sesame seeds and curry leaves and fry for another minute, or until the sesame seeds are golden brown. Discard the curry leaves.
  • Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of water and the remaining teaspoon of sugar and boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture resembles syrup.
  • To serve, turn out the lentil cake onto a serving plate. Pour the syrup evenly over the cake. Sprinkle over the fresh coriander and coconut.

Muddawgprettyrickey
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These lentil cakes were a disaster. They fell apart when I tried to flip them and they were burnt on the outside and raw on the inside.


G-FORCE CRAFT
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These lentil cakes were a bit too spicy for my taste. I think I would use less chili powder next time.


Diana Irena
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I'm not a big fan of lentils, but I really enjoyed these lentil cakes. They were flavorful and satisfying.


Mehadii Qeerroo
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These lentil cakes were delicious! I loved the combination of flavors and textures.


Ch Subhan
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The lentil cakes stuck to the pan when I tried to cook them. I think I needed to grease the pan more.


Marley Nice
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These lentil cakes were a bit bland for my taste. I think I would add more spices next time.


Mumitu Jannat
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I'm always looking for new ways to cook lentils, and these lentil cakes were a great find. They're healthy and delicious, and they're a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Jalil sabri
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These lentil cakes were a great way to use up some leftover lentils. They were quick and easy to make, and they were a hit with my kids.


Kulani cliff Nkuna
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I loved the crispy exterior and the soft, flavorful interior of these lentil cakes. They were the perfect appetizer for my party.


kamara ibrahim (Hykey)
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These lentil cakes were so easy to make and they turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making them again.


Abdul Jabbar
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The lentil cakes fell apart when I tried to flip them. I think I didn't cook them long enough on the first side.


Tariq Rajput
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These lentil cakes were a bit too dry for my taste. I think I would add more liquid next time.


Asif Albaloshi
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I'm not usually a fan of lentils, but these cakes were surprisingly delicious. The texture was perfect and the flavors were well-balanced.


Zandile Mkhize
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These lentil cakes were a hit with my family! They were easy to make and packed with flavor. I especially loved the addition of the herbs and spices.