Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets
Packed with protein and flavor, these crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets blend soaked gram lentils with desiccated coconut, fresh cilantro, onions, and a hint of green chilies, enhanced with a blend of aromatic spices. Vegan, simple, and super tasty!
Hello once again, my dear readers!
Today’s recipe is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based goodness. Presenting “Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets,” a crispy, crunchy, and utterly addicting snack that will change how you take on snacking.
Innovative and healthy substitutes are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of how our food choices affect the environment and health. These simple lentil-based nuggets check all the right boxes: they’re nutritious, environmentally friendly, and—most importantly—simply tasty.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome vegan snack, these crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets are the perfect choice!
Let’s dive into the simple yet delightful recipe…
Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE DETAILED RECIPE, BUT I REQUEST YOU DON’T SKIP READING THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.
Why You Should Try These Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets?
These nuggets are sure to impress your family and friends because:
- These easy nuggets are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- The crispy outer layer of the nuggets provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender and flavorful interior.
- This is a tasty way to enjoy lentils.
- These nuggets are low in calories, which means you can eat more without increasing your calorie intake.
- Gram lentil nuggets are a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
- These crispy nuggets are prepared with simple pantry ingredients.
- It is kid friendly.
- Lentils are environmentally friendly as they require less water and have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal-based protein sources. By choosing lentil-based snacks like these nuggets, you are contributing to a more sustainable food system.
- This finger food can be enjoyed in various ways. They make for a perfect standalone snack option for parties, movie nights, or even as a quick bite. You can also pair them with dipping sauces or chutneys, or incorporate them into salads, wraps, and sandwiches for a delightful and healthy meal.
Is gram lentil healthy?
Gram lentil is a very nutritious lentil that is also readily available and commonly used in Indian cuisine and other South Asian dishes. It is also known as Chana Dal or split chickpeas.
Gram lentils are a great source of numerous minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It is a great source of protein, fiber, and iron. They’re also high in folate and potassium!
Excellent Source of Protein
Gram lentils are a great plant-based source of protein, making them an essential food for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is vital for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues, enzymes, and hormones.
High Fiber Content
Gram lentils are rich in dietary fiber, which helps digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity. Fiber also helps control blood sugar levels and cholesterol, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Low Glycemic Index
Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, indicating that they raise blood sugar levels more gradually and steadily than high-GI foods. Diabetes sufferers and those attempting to control their blood sugar levels may find this characteristic useful.
Heart Health
The combination of fiber, potassium, and magnesium in chickpeas can promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood circulation. Additionally, folate content helps lower homocysteine levels, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Weight Management
The high protein and fiber content in chickpeas contributes to increased satiety, helping you feel full for longer periods of time. This can aid in weight management by reducing overall food intake and preventing unnecessary snacking.
Rich in Antioxidants
Chickpeas are a good source of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and selenium, and can lower the incidence of chronic diseases by shielding cells from oxidative stress and neutralizing damaging free radicals in the body.
Bone Health
The combination of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in chickpeas supports bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders.
Digestive Health
The soluble and insoluble fiber in chickpeas promotes a healthy gut environment and can aid in preventing constipation and other digestive issues.
Blood Health
The iron content in chickpeas helps in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Consuming chickpeas can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Skin Health
The vitamin C content in chickpeas contributes to collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and health.
Ingredient’s Description
- Gram Lentils (Chana Dal): These are dried, split, and husked chickpeas, also known as Bengal gram lentils. Soak them overnight. It makes a healthy base for nuggets.
- Desiccated coconut: Add a nice coconut-y flavor.
- Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are finely chopped and added to the mixture, giving the nuggets a fresh and herbal flavor.
- Onions: Finely chopped onions are added to the mixture to enhance the flavor and add a hint of sweetness.
- Green chillies are used to add a bit of heat and spiciness to the nuggets. The amount of chili can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Spices: A blend of spices (cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt) is used to season the nuggets. These spices give the nuggets their characteristic Indian flavor profile.
- Flour: Gram flour and rice flour are used to make a slurry, which gives these nuggets a crispy coating.
- Water: Water is used to soak the gram lentils before grinding them into a coarse paste. It also helps in forming the nugget mixture. Water is also used to make a slurry.
- Oil: Oil is used for frying the nuggets until they become crispy and golden brown.
How to Make Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets?
- Rinse the soaked gram lentils and drain the water thoroughly.
- In a blender, add the soaked lentils, desiccated coconut, cilantro, chopped onion, green chilies, and a splash of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth and thick mixture.
- In a pan, heat a little cooking oil and add cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a moment.
- Add the blended lentil mixture to the pan and mix well.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a slightly doughy consistency. If needed, add a little water gradually to adjust the texture.
- Grease a flat surface or a tray and spread the cooked lentil mixture evenly. Allow it to cool and set for a while.
- Once cooled and set, cut the lentil mixture into squares or any desired shapes.
- Prepare the slurry by mixing gram flour and rice flour in a bowl and adding some water to form a smooth paste.
- Dip the lentil squares in the slurry, coating them evenly.
- Heat some cooking oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the coated lentil squares until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove the nuggets from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Gram Lentil Nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney, and enjoy a scrumptious and nutritious vegan snack that will impress your taste buds!
Turn the crispy gram lentil nuggets into a complete meal by serving them with a side salad, mint yogurt dip, or tamarind chutney. You can also serve them in pita pockets or burger buns with lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings for a delicious lentil burger.
Chef’s Tips
- Resting the Batter: Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes before shaping the nuggets. This allows the flavors to meld and the lentils to absorb the spices.
- If the batter is thin, add bread crumbs.
- Double Fry Method: For extra crispiness, you can use the double fry method. After the first round of frying, let the nuggets cool down slightly, and then fry them again in hot oil for a shorter time. This will give them an even crunchier texture.
- Bake / air fry: Baking or air-frying the nuggets reduces the overall fat content, making them a healthier option while retaining the crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Crispy lentil nuggets are best enjoyed immediately after frying while they are still hot and crunchy. If you need to prepare them in advance, you can reheat them in the oven to regain some crispiness.
- Freezing for Later: If you have leftover nuggets, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven until they are warmed through and crispy again.
Variations or Substitutions
- Vary the Lentils: While gram lentils (chana dal) are commonly used for these nuggets, you can try using other lentils like red lentils (masoor dal) or split yellow peas (moong dal) for a different taste and texture.
- Healthier Fillers: Boost the nutritional value of the nuggets by mixing in grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach and turning them into lentil veggie nuggets. It not only adds nutrients but also enhances color and taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spiciness of the nuggets to suit your taste. If you prefer them milder, reduce the amount of green chilies or omit them altogether. For those who like it hot, feel free to increase the spice levels.
More Snack Recipes to Try:
- Vada Pav
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Onion Pakodas
- Zucchini Potato Fritters
- Vegan Chicken Nuggets
As always, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave any feedback or share your own experience with us in the comments section below. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Gram Lentil Nuggets
Equipment
- Blender, Bowl, Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup gram lentils chana dal, soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- Handful of fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- One teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust as per your taste
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup gram flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- Water as needed
- Cooking oil for shallow frying
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse the soaked gram lentils and drain the water thoroughly.
- In a blender, add the soaked lentils, desiccated coconut, cilantro, chopped onion, green chilies, and a splash of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth and thick mixture.
- Heat a little cooking oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a moment.
- Add the blended lentil mixture to the pan and mix well.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a slightly doughy consistency. If needed, add a little water gradually to adjust the texture.
- Grease a flat surface or tray and evenly spread the cooked lentil mixture. Allow it to cool and set for a while.
- Cut the lentil mixture into squares or any desired shapes once it has cooled and set.
- Prepare the slurry by mixing gram flour and rice flour in a bowl and adding water to form a smooth paste.
- Dip the lentil squares in the slurry, coating them evenly.
- Heat some cooking oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the coated lentil squares until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove the nuggets from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Notes
Serve your Gram Lentil Nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious vegan snack that will impress your taste buds! You can adjust the spice levels and seasonings according to your preference. Happy cooking! Variations: 1. **Spicy Twist**: Add a dash of chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blended lentil mixture for those who love an extra kick of heat. 2. Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like mint, parsley, or basil to give your nuggets a unique flavor. 3. Nutty Crunch: Enhance the texture by adding crushed nuts like cashews, almonds, or peanuts to the lentil mixture before shaping and frying. 4. **Veggie Delight**: Incorporate grated carrots, finely chopped spinach, or grated zucchini to add a burst of color and additional nutrition. 5. **Cheesy Option**: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on the nuggets just before frying. Tips: 1. **Consistency Matters**: Pay attention to the blended lentil mixture’s consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry. Adjust water as needed to achieve the right texture. 2. **Oil Temperature**: Maintain the oil at a medium heat while frying. If the oil is too hot, the nuggets might brown quickly on the outside but remain undercooked inside. 3. **Chill for Crispiness**: After cutting the lentil mixture into squares, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before dipping them in the flour slurry. This will help the nuggets hold their shape better during frying and result in a crispier texture. 4. **Gluten-Free Option**: Replace the regular gram flour with chickpea flour and use rice flour for the slurry to make the recipe gluten-free. 5. **Serve with Dips**: Pair your crispy lentil nuggets with various dips like tomato chutney, mint yogurt sauce, or tangy tamarind chutney for a delightful snacking experience. 6. **Batch Cooking**: You can make a large batch of these nuggets and freeze them before frying. This way, you can have a ready-to-fry snack on hand whenever you crave it. 7. **Baking Option**: If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can try baking the nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. 8. **Experiment with Shapes**: Instead of squares, try cutting the cooled lentil mixture into fun shapes like triangles, circles, or even mini hearts to make them more visually appealing. With these variations and tips, you can create your own personalized version of Gram Lentil Nuggets and enjoy a delightful snack that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking and snacking!
This recipe is off the charts!
Thank you!