Steamed Savoury Lentil Burfi

 

          lentils are packed with proteins and vitamins. So how about a healthy steamed snack? These are equally yummy and better than any fried stuff. I made use of mixed lentils, mainly chana dal (Bengal Gram), tuvar dal (Pigeon Pea), Masoor dal (Red Lentil), moong dal (Split Green Gram) and urad dal (Split Black Gram). You may also add any other variety you prefer. 

          These burfis are easy to prepare and needs very few ingredients. You can make it in any flavor you like. I gave a South Indian flavor by adding some sambar powder and curry leaves. This was served with a sprinkle of idli podi for a nice nutritious treat. Enjoy them as a tea time snack or as an appetizer with your favorite dip / sauce / chutney.

• 5-6 tbsp. mixed lentils 
• 1-2 dry red chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 curry leaves, chopped
• salt to taste 
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. sambar powder
• pinch of idli podi to garnish
• 1/2 tsp. ghee to grease

          Soak the lentils and dry red chilies for a minimum of four hours. Wash and drain well. Process into a slightly coarse paste.

          Mix with rest of the ingredients (except idli podi and ghee). Grease a steel plate with ghee and transfer the contents.

          Spread it evenly and then steam for 15-20 minutes. After it cools down, cut into slices and garnish with a sprinkle of idli podi. 

           Serve as a tea-time snack or as an appetizer with any chutney / sauce / any dip of your choice or just a dash of lime. 

Quinoa Rice Tikki / Cutlet / Patty

          These are gorgeous looking, beautiful Quinoa Rice Tikki, absolutely healthy as Quinoa is packed with essential nutrients. I have added some leftover cooked rice along with other basic ingredients. 

          It is a must try recipe as it takes very little time to dish out this amazingly yummy snack for your loved ones, whether it is tea-time or after-school. Good for the young and old alike, they can be relished with any homemade chutney. So Just follow a step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (makes around 10)
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 2 tbsp. roasted chickpea flour
• 1 tbsp. rice flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp. tomato paste
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/4 cup coriander roots, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp. coriander powder
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• 1 tsp. flaxseed powder
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp. dry mango powder (amchur)
• 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes
• oil to shallow fry

             In a bowl, mix all the above mentioned ingredients (except oil) and knead into a dough. Divide into equal portions and shape as desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

           Heat a little oil and shallow fry the tikkis in batches on both sides till light golden in colour. 

           Drain on a kitchen towel and serve them hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.

                           Mix all mentioned ingredients (except oil) & knead into a dough.

                  Divide into equal portions & shape as desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

                      Heat a little oil & shallow fry the tikkis on both sides till light golden. 

                                Drain on a kitchen towel.

                               Serve them hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.