LENTILS have long been a staple crop in Indian agriculture and an integral part of culinary traditions due to their high nutritional value and versatility. While lentil-based dishes like dal and dosas are staples in most Indian homes and popular street foods, the diverse cuisine also includes a variety of lesser-known snacks that feature lentils in innovative ways. As with any culture, India's foodscape encompasses both widespread favourites and regional specialties enjoyed on a more local level.
This article aims to shine a light on some underrated lentil-based street foods found across the country. By exploring their origins, preparation methods, and what sets them apart, we hope to provide readers with a glimpse into India's rich culinary heritage and appreciation for nutritious plant-based snacks. From lentil-filled pastries in Hyderabad to fritters featuring black chickpeas in Punjab, these lesser-known lentil treats represent the creativity of street vendors and food diversity that exists beyond mainstream snacks.
Dal Pakwan: A Sindhi Delicacy
Dal pakwan is a lesser-known gem from Sindhi cuisine that combines crispy fried puris with tangy lentils. It consists of chana dal (split chickpeas) cooked with aromatic spices such as cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. The dish is typically served with pakwan – thin and crispy deep-fried wheat flour bread. The combination of the crunchy pakwan with the flavourful dal creates a unique texture and taste experience that is sure to delight your senses.
Masoor Dosa: A Twist on Tradition
While dosas made from rice and urad dal are widely known, masoor dosa offers a delightful twist by using red lentils instead. Masoor dosa batter is prepared by soaking masoor dal (red lentils) along with rice overnight before grinding them into a smooth paste. This batter is then fermented until it becomes light and fluffy. Cooked on a hot griddle, masoor dosas turn golden brown and develop a slightly sweet taste. They are often served with coconut chutney or sambar, offering a unique flavour profile that sets them apart from the traditional dosas.
Chilke Wali Moong Dal Tikki: A Crispy Surprise
Chilke wali moong dal tikki is a lesser-known street food snack that combines the goodness of green gram (moong dal) with an irresistible crunch. This dish involves soaking split green gram lentils along with their skin before grinding them into a coarse paste. The paste is then mixed with spices like ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, and chaat masala. The mixture is shaped into small patties which are shallow-fried until they become crispy on the outside while retaining their softness inside. Served hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney, these tikkis offer a burst of flavours and textures in every bite.
Dal Dhokli: A Gujarati Comfort Food
Dal dhokli is a lesser-known comfort food from Gujarat that combines lentils with spiced wheat flour dumplings. To prepare this dish, pigeon peas (toor dal) are cooked along with spices such as turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to create a flavourful lentil soup base. Small pieces of rolled-out wheat flour dough are added to the boiling dal mixture and cooked until tender. The result is a comforting one-pot meal that warms your soul with its rich flavours.
Parippu Vada: A South Indian Vegan Fritter
Parippu vada originates from Kerala in South India and offers an indulgent vegan snacking experience. Made using soaked yellow split peas (chana dal) blended with onions, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and spices like cumin seeds and black pepper – these fritters are deep-fried until golden brown. Parippu vada is enjoyed on its own or served with coconut chutney for a burst of flavours that will leave you craving for more.
Masoor Dal Puri: A Flavorsome Delight
Masoor dal puri is a lesser-known street food from Bihar that combines lentils with unleavened deep-fried bread. The dough for the puris is made by kneading together wheat flour and cooked masoor dal (red lentils). This gives the puris their distinct colour and flavour. Once rolled out into small circles, the puris are fried until they become puffy and golden brown. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with pickles or curries for a satisfying meal experience.
From crispy dal pakwan to flavourful masoor dosa, crunchy moong dal tikkis to comforting dal dhokli — each of these dishes showcases the diversity of Indian cuisine while celebrating the humble lentil in all its glory. Through this exploration of lesser-known lentil-based street foods across India, we have highlighted some of the culinary innovations and regional flavours that exist outside of popular nationwide snacks. The diversity of lentil varieties, preparation methods, and unique combinations with local spices showcase India's deep appreciation for these nutritious legumes. Beyond their delicious tastes, these underrated snacks also tell stories of tradition, cultural influences, and entrepreneurship on India's streets.