Bara (Nepali Lentil Pancakes)
Bara are savory, thin pancakes made from black lentil (masoor dal) batter, often seasoned with spices and sometimes mixed with minced meat. They are a popular street food and snack in Nepal, typically served with a spicy dipping sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Black lentils (masoor dal)(rinsed and soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- as needed Water
- to taste Salt
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 0.5 inch piece Ginger
- 1 optional Green chili(for heat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for cooking)
- 100 g Minced meat (optional)(chicken or buffalo, finely minced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked black lentils thoroughly. Transfer them to a blender or food processor.
- 2
Add garlic, ginger, green chili (if using), cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Add just enough water to help the ingredients blend into a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should be pourable but not too watery, similar to pancake batter.
- 3
If using minced meat, mix it into the batter at this stage. Ensure it's evenly distributed.
- 4
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- 5
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot skillet and spread it thinly with the back of the ladle to form a round pancake, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- 6
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to look dry and the underside is golden brown. Drizzle a little oil around the edges.
- 7
Carefully flip the bara and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- 8
Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
- 9
Serve hot, typically with a spicy tomato chutney or pickle.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the lentils is crucial for achieving the right texture. Don't skip this step.
- ✓The batter consistency is key. If it's too thick, the bara will be dense; if too thin, they will be difficult to handle.
- ✓For a crispier bara, cook them slightly longer and use a bit more oil.
- ✓If you don't have black lentils, red lentils can be used, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped onions or herbs like cilantro to the batter for extra flavor.
- Make sweet bara by adding a little sugar to the batter and serving with honey or syrup.