Kachori, a beloved Indian snack, is a deep-fried pastry filled with a variety of spicy fillings. Originating from Rajasthan, this crispy delight has won hearts across the country and beyond. Whether you prefer it stuffed with lentils, peas, or a flavorful mix of spices, kachori is a treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In this blog, we’ll explore different kachori recipes and provide you with tips to perfect this savory snack at home.

Classic Moong Dal Kachori

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water, as needed

For the Filling:

• 1 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils), soaked for 2 hours and drained
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ghee/oil.
   • Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
   • Add the soaked and drained moong dal. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Add coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
   • Cook until the dal is well roasted and the mixture is dry. Let it cool.
3. Assemble the Kachori:
   • Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
   • Flatten each ball slightly and fill with a spoonful of the moong dal mixture.
   • Carefully bring the edges together to seal the filling and form a smooth, round ball. Flatten slightly.
4. Fry the Kachori:
   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
   • Gently slide in the kachoris and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or your favorite dip.

Green Pea (Matar) Kachori

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water, as needed

For the Filling:

• 1 cup green peas, boiled and mashed
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
• 1 tsp green chili paste
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ghee/oil.
   • Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
   • Add the mashed green peas and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Add coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, amchur, green chili paste, and salt. Mix well.
   • Cook until the mixture is dry and well combined. Let it cool.
3. Assemble the Kachori:
   • Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
   • Flatten each ball slightly and fill with a spoonful of the green pea mixture.
   • Carefully bring the edges together to seal the filling and form a smooth, round ball. Flatten slightly.
4. Fry the Kachori:
   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
   • Gently slide in the kachoris and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or your favorite dip.

Tips for Perfect Kachori:

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Proper kneading ensures a crisp outer layer.
• Filling: Ensure the filling is dry to prevent the kachoris from becoming soggy.
• Frying Temperature: Fry kachoris on medium heat. High heat will cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.
• Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps in achieving a flaky texture.

Conclusion

Kachori is a versatile and delectable snack that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you prefer the classic moong dal filling or the vibrant green pea version, making kachoris at home is a rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create these crispy delights that will leave everyone asking for more. So, don your apron and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade kachori