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Moong Dal ke Pakode - 2 ways | Holi Special Recipe | Palak ke Pakode

Chef Kunal Kapur Snacks & Street Food 40 Mins 4 Servings 241.1K views Mar 1, 2026
✨ The Pakode You’ll Keep Coming Back To: Crispy Moong Dal Pakode (2 Ways)! 🌧️☕ Nothing beats the comfort of hot, crispy pakode — especially when they’re light, flavourful, and made with moong dal. These Moong Dal Pakode are crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with spices that make every bite irresistible 😍

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

  1. 1
    Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
  2. 2
    Dry roast cumin, coriander seeds, and black pepper on low heat till aromatic.
  3. 3
    Cool slightly and grind into a coarse powder. Keep aside.
  4. 4
    Step 2: Prepare the Dal Batter
  5. 5
    Soak moong dal for 4–5 hours. Drain completely.
  6. 6
    Grind the dal using very little water to a coarse, thick batter. Do not make it smooth.
  7. 7
    Transfer the batter to a bowl and whisk lightly to incorporate air.
  8. 8
    Step 3: Flavour the Batter
  9. 9
    Add green chilli, ginger, onion, curry leaves, coriander leaves, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, kasoori methi, dry mango powder, and the prepared spice mix.
  10. 10
    Mix gently to combine.
  11. 11
    Divide the batter into two portions.
  12. 12
    * Keep one plain.
  13. 13
    * Add chopped spinach to the second portion and mix lightly.
  14. 14
    Step 4: Frying the Pakode
  15. 15
    Heat oil in a kadhai on medium heat.
  16. 16
    Just before frying, add baking soda / Eno to the batter and mix gently.
  17. 17
    Drop small portions of batter into hot oil using your fingers or a spoon.
  18. 18
    Fry on medium heat, turning occasionally, till golden and crisp.
  19. 19
    Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
  20. 20
    Step 5: Serve
  21. 21
    Serve hot with green chutney, imli chutney, or ketchup, along with a cup of hot chai.
  22. 22
    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.