Ingredients & Measurements
Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.
- Main recipe vegetables / proteins
- Whole and ground spices (Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander, Chilli)
- Ginger, garlic, green chillies and fresh onions
- Mustard oil, ghee, or neutral cooking fat
- Fresh coriander and roasted kasoori methi for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
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Dry roast cumin, coriander seeds, and black pepper on low heat till aromatic.
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Cool slightly and grind into a coarse powder. Keep aside.
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Step 2: Prepare the Dal Batter
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Soak moong dal for 4–5 hours. Drain completely.
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Grind the dal using very little water to a coarse, thick batter. Do not make it smooth.
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Transfer the batter to a bowl and whisk lightly to incorporate air.
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Step 3: Flavour the Batter
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Add green chilli, ginger, onion, curry leaves, coriander leaves, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, kasoori methi, dry mango powder, and the prepared spice mix.
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Mix gently to combine.
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Divide the batter into two portions.
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* Keep one plain.
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* Add chopped spinach to the second portion and mix lightly.
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Step 4: Frying the Pakode
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Heat oil in a kadhai on medium heat.
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Just before frying, add baking soda / Eno to the batter and mix gently.
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Drop small portions of batter into hot oil using your fingers or a spoon.
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Fry on medium heat, turning occasionally, till golden and crisp.
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Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
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Step 5: Serve
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Serve hot with green chutney, imli chutney, or ketchup, along with a cup of hot chai.
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Try this recipe and tell me — plain or spinach, which one’s your favourite? 👇
Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip
For ultra-crispy snacks and street-food pakoras, add 1 tablespoon of rice flour or hot oil to the gram flour (besan) batter. Fry in oil maintained at medium-high heat—never overcrowd the kadhai to keep the temperature consistent.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice
How long can I store leftover Moong Dal ke Pakode - 2 ways?
You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute dairy ghee/butter with mustard oil or neutral cooking oil, and replace milk/curd with coconut milk or cashew cream where applicable.
What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?
Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.