Crispy Fried Lentil Patties Recipe

These delightful crispy fried lentil patties, also known as lentil fritters or “dal ke bhajiye,” are a perfect vegetarian snack or a light meal option. With their golden-brown exterior and soft, flavourful interior, they’re sure to impress both family and friends alike.

Ingredients:

• 200g red lentils (masoor dal), soaked for 2 hours
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 100g breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method:

1. Begin by draining the soaked lentils and rinsing them well. Place them in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-blend; a bit of texture is desired.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the lentil paste with the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, green chilli, coriander, cumin seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into flat patties. Once formed, coat each patty lightly in breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

4. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Remove the patties from the oil and drain on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with a tangy chutney or a cooling yoghurt dip for a delightful treat.

Enjoy the crispiness and robust flavours of these lentil patties – perfect for a cosy gathering or simply as a tasty snack!

Crispy fried onions are a beloved addition to many British dishes, imparting a delightful crunch and a rich, savoury flavour. Often used as a topping for casseroles and pies, these golden morsels enhance everything from the iconic roast dinner to a comforting bowl of soup. Their preparation is simple yet transformative: thinly sliced onions are lightly battered and deep-fried until they achieve that perfect level of crispiness. Not only do they add texture, but they also offer a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the savoury elements of a meal. Whether sprinkled over a festive turkey or incorporated into a classic onion bhaji, crispy fried onions are a culinary treasure that elevates ordinary dishes to extraordinary heights.

Air-fried wontons are a delightful and healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried snack. Made with delicate wrappers filled with a savoury mix of minced meat, vegetables, and fragrant spices, these morsels are perfect for a quick bite or a party platter. The air fryer cooks them to a crisp golden finish while retaining all the juicy goodness inside.

To prepare, simply fill each wonton wrapper, seal them tightly, and lightly spray or brush with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket. In less time than it takes to preheat an oven, you’ll have a platter of crunchy, yet satisfying treats. Serve them with a dipping sauce of soy or sweet chilli for an irresistible flavour combination — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is easy to prepare.

Crispy chicharrones, a beloved treat in Cuban cuisine, are an indulgence that evokes a sense of nostalgia for many. This mouth-watering dish is crafted from pork belly, which is carefully prepared to ensure the perfect contrast of textures: tender, succulent meat encased in an impossibly crunchy, golden-brown skin. The pork is typically marinated in a medley of spices that may include garlic, oregano, and sour orange, infusing it with vibrant flavours before it undergoes the frying process.

When cooked to perfection, the chicharrones are not only crispy but also have a delightful savouriness that makes them hard to resist. Often enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, they're best served with a squeeze of lime and perhaps a sprinkle of salt, enhancing their rich taste. These delightful morsels can also be paired with a variety of dipping sauces or served alongside traditional Cuban dishes, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or as a casual street food favourite, crispy chicharrones embody the heart and soul of Cuban culinary heritage.

As the crisp air of autumn sets in and the leaves begin their vibrant descent, there's nothing quite like indulging in a comforting treat that encapsulates the essence of the season. Enter the Fall-Inspired Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings, a delightful twist on the classic apple experience. With their golden, crunchy exterior and warm, spiced filling, these apple rings are perfect for cosy evenings in or festive gatherings.

To create this delectable delicacy, start by selecting tart apples such as Granny Smith, which provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon-infused batter. After slicing the apples into delightful rings, dip them into a homemade batter featuring flour, sugar, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. As they gently sizzle in hot oil, the sweet, aromatic scent will waft through your kitchen, stirring nostalgia and anticipation.

Once fried to perfection, dust the apple rings with icing sugar and serve them warm. These treats are delightful on their own but are even more irresistible when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Gather your loved ones, savour the first bite, and let the flavours of fall embrace you in each warm, spiced morsel.

Crispy fried polenta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with a satisfying crunch. To start, prepare the polenta by bringing water to a gentle boil and slowly whisking in the cornmeal, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. After cooking for around 30 minutes, pour the creamy polenta into a lined tray and allow it to cool completely, ideally overnight in the fridge.

Once set, cut the polenta into lovely, bite-sized squares or sticks. For frying, heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan until shimmering. Carefully add the polenta pieces, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, then transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.

Serve your crispy fried polenta warm, perhaps drizzled with a fragrant herb oil or accompanied by a tangy dip. It’s the perfect starter or snack, with a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of flavours. Enjoy!

Cornmeal fried fish is a delightful dish that harks back to traditional British coastal fare, capturing the essence of seaside dining. The fish, often a fresh catch such as cod or haddock, is coated in a golden, crispy cornmeal batter that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The preparation begins with marinating the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and a hint of paprika, infusing it with a burst of flavour.

Afterward, the fish is dredged in a generous layer of cornmeal, which provides a rustic texture and a mildly sweet taste that contrasts beautifully with the succulent flesh of the fish. Once fried to perfection, it is served alongside a vibrant homemade tartar sauce, complete with capers and chopped gherkins, and often accompanied by a wedge of lemon for a zesty finish.

This dish not only celebrates the flavours of the sea but also evokes memories of sun-drenched holidays by the sea, making it a beloved choice for both casual dinners and festive gatherings. The crunchy cornmeal crust adds a unique twist to a classic favourite, ensuring that this comfort food remains a cherished staple in British cuisine.

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the crispy delight of easy fried chicken wings. These delectable morsels are perfect for sharing or as a satisfying snack all to yourself. To prepare, simply marinate the wings in a zesty concoction of buttermilk, garlic, and a blend of spices for a few hours – this step ensures the meat remains tender and flavour-packed.

Once marinated, coat the wings in seasoned flour to achieve that perfect crunch. Heat a good amount of oil in a deep pan, and carefully lower the wings in batches, frying them until they turn a golden brown and crisp on the outside. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible!

Serve your wings hot from the fryer, perhaps tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce or an eye-watering hot sauce, accompanied by celery sticks and a creamy dip. Whether enjoyed during a casual evening with friends or as a delightful treat on game night, these easy fried chicken wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Fried wontons are a delightful treat, often found in the bustling eateries of Chinese cuisine. These crispy parcels are typically made from thin sheets of dough that are expertly folded around a savoury filling, commonly featuring minced pork or shrimp, along with a medley of fragrant spices and perhaps a hint of spring onion. Once expertly sealed, they are plunged into hot oil, transforming into golden, crunchy bites that are simply irresistible.

Served piping hot, fried wontons are a popular choice as a starter or snack, accompanied by a dipping sauce that might be a tangy soy or sweet chili concoction. Their satisfying crunch is perfectly complemented by the savoury filling within, making them a favourite indulgence at gatherings or as a quick street snack. The art of making fried wontons lies not only in the flavours but also in the technique, as achieving the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness is a skill that is cherished by many chefs.

Indulge in the exquisite delight of Garlic Parmesan Fried Mushrooms from MushroomSalus. These delectable morsels are expertly handcrafted, featuring plump, succulent mushrooms coated in a golden, crispy batter that perfectly balances crunch and tenderness. Infused with aromatic garlic and a generous sprinkling of aged Parmesan, each bite delivers a heavenly burst of flavour that lingers delightfully on the palate. Ideal as a moreish snack or a sumptuous side dish, these gourmet creations epitomise comfort food with an elegant twist. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favourite dipping sauce, Garlic Parmesan Fried Mushrooms are sure to elevate any dining experience.