Kachori
Kachori is a popular Indian snack, especially from Rajasthan, consisting of a deep-fried, flaky pastry shell filled with a spiced mixture of lentils (dal) or peas. The key to its deliciousness lies in the crispy exterior and the flavorful, aromatic filling.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour (Maida)(For the dough)
- 50 ml Ghee or Oil(For the dough (moyan/shortening))
- 150 ml Water(Approximately, for the dough)
- 1 tsp Salt(For the dough)
- 150 g Yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)(For the filling)
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds(For the filling)
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds(For the filling)
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)(For the filling)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder(For the filling)
- 1 tsp Red chili powder(Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala(For the filling)
- 1 tsp Amchur powder (dry mango powder)(Optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste(For the filling)
- 2-3 Green chilies(Finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves(Finely chopped, for the filling)
- for deep frying Oil(A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is recommended)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Moong Dal Filling: Rinse the moong dal thoroughly. Soak it in water for at least 1 hour. Drain the water completely and coarsely grind the dal into a thick, grainy paste. Do not make it too smooth. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add fennel seeds and coriander seeds, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground moong dal paste, asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur powder (if using), and ginger-garlic paste. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring continuously, for about 8-10 minutes, until the mixture dries out and starts to leave the sides of the pan. It should form a cohesive mass. Stir in the chopped green chilies and fresh coriander leaves. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the ghee or oil (50ml) and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky crust. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead to form a stiff, tight dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to handle.
⏱️ 40 minutes (including resting time) - 3
Stuff and Shape the Kachoris: Divide the rested dough into equal small portions (about 12). Take one portion of the dough, flatten it into a small disc, and slightly thicken the edges while keeping the center thin. Place a portion of the cooled moong dal filling in the center. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling completely, pinching and sealing it tightly. Gently flatten the stuffed ball into a round, slightly thick disc or kachori shape. Ensure there are no cracks or openings, as the filling might leak out during frying. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
Deep Fry the Kachoris: Heat sufficient oil in a deep pan or kadai over low to medium-low heat. The oil temperature should be around 140-150°C (285-300°F). Carefully slide a few stuffed kachoris into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on very low heat, allowing them to puff up slowly and cook evenly. This slow frying process is essential for achieving the characteristic flaky layers. Gently turn them occasionally to ensure even browning. Continue frying for about 10-15 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Once done, remove the kachoris from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
⏱️ 20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is at a low to medium-low temperature for frying. Frying on high heat will cook the exterior quickly, leaving the inside uncooked and the pastry dense.
- ✓The dough should be stiff, not soft. A soft dough will absorb more oil and result in a less flaky kachori.
- ✓Seal the stuffed kachoris very carefully to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
- ✓Allow the filling to cool completely before stuffing the dough. Warm filling can make the dough sticky and difficult to handle.
- ✓Serve hot with tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, or a side of yogurt.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Pyaaz Kachori: Replace moong dal filling with a spiced mixture of finely chopped onions.
- Matar Kachori: Use a spiced green peas filling instead of moong dal.
- Dal Moth Kachori: Use a mixture of different lentils like moong dal, urad dal, and chana dal for the filling.