Crispy Red Lentil Fritters: Perfect Gluten-Free Snack
These crispy, crunchy, red lentil fritters are made using just five ingredients and come together in 20 minutes once the lentils are soaked. Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that’s as straightforward as it is delicious.
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Get ready to spice up your snack game with this Indian Masoor Dal Vada, aka red lentil fritters. Packed with the goodness of red lentils, these crispy bites are vegan and gluten-free and have a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors.
Serve them with your favorite chutney, dip, or ketchup for the perfect teatime treat or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and satisfaction that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Red Lentils: Soaked red lentils are used to make the fritters.
Onion: Finely chopped red onions work best for this dish.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and soak the red lentils for 1-2 hours. Once soaked, rinse it in fresh running water. Take the soaked lentils in a food processor or blender and grind them into a thick paste using minimal water. Start with ¼ cup of water and add 1-2 tablespoons more only if needed.
Step 2: Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl and add onion, cilantro, ginger, green chilies, and salt. Mix well and aerate the batter with your hands.
Step 3: Take a small portion of the batter (1-2 tablespoons) and drop it carefully in hot oil. Fry them until they are golden and crispy on all sides. This can take 4-5 minutes. Do not disturb them for the first minute. Once they begin to become brown, carefully flip them.
Expert Tips
- Ensure the red lentils are soaked for a minimum of 30 minutes before grinding. This helps in achieving the right texture.
- A food processor works best for grinding the lentils as we need a thick and slightly coarse paste.
- Make it your own with additional spices or herbs to customize the flavor profile. Cumin, coriander, or a pinch of garam masala can add a hint of complexity to the fritters.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these red lentil fritters with your choice of dipping sauces, like mint chutney or tamarind chutney, for a classic combination. Alternatively, serve them alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
Wrap them in pita bread or flatbread, adding a drizzle of tahini sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. My favorite is this tahini sriracha sauce that I make for my lentil Buddha bowl. They are also a great side dish with hearty soups this Instant Pot minestrone soup.
Storage Tips
These red lentil fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat them in an air fryer or in the oven to retain crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters may absorb more oil. Also, place the fritters on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil.
Yes, you can freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they’re solid. Reheat them in an air fryer or the oven for the best texture.
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may differ. Preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C), shape the fritters, and bake until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
To maintain their crispiness, reheat the fritters in an air fryer, preheated oven, or toaster oven until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may result in a loss of texture.
More Red Lentil Recipes
- This flavorful lentil, pea, and potato curry is perfect served over rice or with these red lentil pancakes. For a lighter option, try this vegetable lentil curry.
- Looking for a protein-rich alternative? Try this flavorful chicken lentil curry.
- Start your day right with these savory Indian-inspired red lentil pancakes! They’re vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so-delicious. Pair them with flavorful cumin-spiced potatoes for a breakfast or brunch that will impress.
- This comforting tomato lentil soup is packed with protein and flavor. You can add a crispy touch with red lentil fritters as croutons or a savory garnish.
- Weeknight win alert! This creamy Red Lentil Dal with Spinach is packed with protein and flavor. Plus, it’s ready in just one pot!
If you tried this Red Lentil Fritters Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies adjust as per taste
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp salt adjust as per taste
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Wash and soak the red lentils for 30 minutes to one hour. Once soaked, rinse it in fresh running water.
- Take the soaked lentils in a blender and grind them into a thick paste using minimal water. Start with ¼ cup of water and add 1-2 tablespoons more only if needed.
- Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl and add onion, cilantro, ginger, turmeric, and salt. Mix well and aerate the batter with your hands.
- Take oil for deep frying in a saucepan and place it on medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small portion of the batter. It should sizzle and rise to the top immediately.
- Take a small portion of the batter (1-2 tablespoons) and drop it carefully in hot oil.
- Fry them until they are golden and crispy on all sides. This can take 4-5 minutes. Do not disturb them for the first minute. Once they begin to become brown, carefully flip them.
- Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towel. Serve warm with ketchup or any dip of your choice.
Notes
- Ensure the red lentils are soaked adequately before grinding. This helps in achieving the right texture.
- A food processor works best for grinding the lentils as we need a thick and slightly coarse paste.
- Make it your own with additional spices or herbs to customize the flavor profile. Cumin, coriander, or a pinch of garam masala can add a hint of complexity to the fritters.
Nutrition
I feel that your recipes are better for me as I don’t care to eat meat anymore- but the vegetables are the way I want to go so thank you your recipes are delicious
Hi Rosemarie, I am so glad that you are enjoying my recipes. Thank you for your kind words.
– Shilpa
Can you cook them using an airfryer?
Hi Jay, Yes you can make them in an air fryer. Brush the air fryer basket with a little bit of oil. Shape the fritters and place them in the basket. Brush them with oil and air fry at 375 F (190 C) for 8-10 minutes. Hope this helps. I’d love to hear back your feedback once you tried it.
– Shilpa
Looks great. Plan on making it soon.
Thank you so much, Chris. I hope you enjoy them and I’d love to know your feedback.
– Shilpa