Daali Bara aka Lentil Fritters

My uncle & aunt (Dada & Khudi) who live on the east coast of USA are very fond of family get-togethers. They have a huge Odiya community, whose members meet almost every month for some kind of potluck.

Sometimes, its "Cha o Charcha" (Tea & Discussions) and sometimes it's full fledged "Birthday" dinners.

The best part of this community is that even if they are a large one, they are very close to each other. Everyone knows everyone & whatever is happening with everyone.

No wonder, since it's a Odiya group, food is an essential part of the get-togethers.
My khudi makes a lot of things which are super tasty and one of them is this dali bara (Lentil fritters).

It's literally a 5 ingredient fix which can be made is huge amount or small but will win hearts over (and over again).

What I used

• Mix of Red Masoor dal (1/4 cup) + Yellow Toor dal (1/4 cup)
• Washed & Soaked for around 45mins
• Salt
• 1 small piece of ginger (may be like 1/4 inch)
• Mint leaves
• 1/3 red onion
• Finely chopped
• Oil to deep fry

Process

• In a small grinder, coarse grind the soaked lentils + ginger
• Take the mixture out in a bowl & add salt & onions & mint leaves. 
• No need to add water. 
• Heat oil for deep frying. 
• Test the oil by dropping a wee bit of the dough into the oil. 
• If it comes up quickly, we are ready to roll. 
• Fry the lentil fritters until they are brown. 
• I kept the heat on medium-low so that the lentils cook through properly. 

They are best served as a tea-time snack with Hot Chai & Tomato ketchup. 

Khudi used to serve half of these for snacks & put the rest in a Onion-Tomato gravy for next day lunch. Try it. You'll be amazed !!