Badi Bhaja
Crispy, golden-fried sun-dried lentil dumplings, a classic Odia crunchy side dish. This simple recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Pakhala or dal and rice, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavor to any meal.
For 4 servings
Heat the oil in a pan.
- Place a kadai or small frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the mustard oil and allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes. The oil is ready when a single badi dropped in sizzles immediately.
Fry the badi.
- Carefully add the urad dal badi to the hot oil, ensuring they are in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Stir the badi frequently with a slotted spoon to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Cook until golden and crispy.
- Continue frying for 3-4 minutes until the badi turn a deep, uniform golden-brown color and become fragrant and crisp.
- They will make a light rattling sound in the pan when they are perfectly cooked.
Drain and serve.
- Using the slotted spoon, remove the fried badi from the pan.
- Place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- If using, sprinkle with salt while they are still hot and toss gently.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic taste, use mustard oil. Heat it until it's just about to smoke to mellow its pungent flavor.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures each badi becomes perfectly crispy.
- 3Maintain a steady medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the badi will burn on the outside before cooking through.
- 4Store any leftover Badi Bhaja in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain its crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Badi Chura
Crush the fried badi into coarse pieces. Mix with finely chopped onion, green chilies, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of raw mustard oil for a zesty side dish.
Garlic Badi BhajaGarlic Badi Bhaja
Lightly crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and fry them in the oil for 30 seconds before adding the badi. This infuses the dish with a lovely garlic aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Urad dal, the primary ingredient in badi, is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Essential Minerals
Badi contains important minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are vital for blood production, nerve function, and maintaining heart health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (about 1/4 cup) of Badi Bhaja contains approximately 120-150 calories, primarily from the lentils and the oil used for frying.