Moong Dal Ambado
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these savory lentil fritters are a beloved Konkani snack. Made with yellow moong dal, coconut, and spices, they're perfect with a cup of tea.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Dal
- b.Rinse the moong dal under running water until the water runs clear.
- c.Soak the dal in ample fresh water for 2 to 3 hours. Do not over-soak, as it can make the vadas absorb too much oil.
- d.After soaking, drain the dal completely in a colander for at least 10-15 minutes. There should be no excess water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.Set aside 2 tablespoons of the soaked dal. This will be added later for a crunchy texture.
- c.Transfer the remaining drained dal to a grinder or food processor.
- d.Grind the dal into a thick, coarse paste without adding any water. Pulse in short bursts and scrape down the sides as needed. The batter should be airy and grainy, not a smooth paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mix the Ingredients
- b.Transfer the ground dal paste to a large mixing bowl.
- c.Add the reserved whole soaked dal, finely chopped onion, green chilies, ginger, grated coconut, curry leaves, coriander leaves, hing, and salt.
- d.Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined. For a fluffier texture, you can beat the batter for a minute to incorporate air.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape and Fry the Ambados
- b.Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 175°C / 350°F).
- c.To test the oil, drop a tiny bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the top immediately.
- d.Lightly wet your palms with water. Take a lemon-sized portion of the batter, roll it into a ball, and then gently flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick disc.
- e.Carefully slide the shaped ambados into the hot oil. Fry 4-5 at a time, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- f.Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and crisp all over.
- g.Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Moong Dal Ambados are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- c.Pair them with coconut chutney, tomato ketchup, or a hot cup of masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to crispy ambados is a thick, coarse batter. Avoid adding any water while grinding the dal.
- 2Ensure the dal is drained completely before grinding. Excess moisture will result in oily vadas.
- 3Fry on a consistent medium-high heat. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it's not hot enough, they will absorb too much oil.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can make the ambados soggy.
- 5Add the salt just before you are ready to fry. Adding it too early will cause the onions to release water and make the batter runny.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Variation
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped dill leaves (sabbasige soppu/shepu) to the batter for a traditional and aromatic flavor.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped spinach or grated carrots for added nutrition and color.
Spice BoostSpice Boost
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper or fennel seeds (saunf) to the batter for a different spice profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Moong dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
The lentils provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Packed with Micronutrients
This snack contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium from the dal and fresh herbs, contributing to better energy levels and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Moong Dal Ambado has healthy base ingredients like moong dal, which is rich in protein and fiber. However, since it is deep-fried, it is high in calories and fat. It's best enjoyed in moderation as a snack. For a healthier version, you can try making them in an air fryer or appe pan with less oil.