Quebec-style Bhalla

Ingredients

In this Quebec-style adaptation of Bhalla, we incorporate maple syrup, a quintessential ingredient in Quebec cuisine, to add a touch of sweetness to the dish. The traditional Indian spices and flavors remain intact, but the addition of maple syrup gives it a distinct Quebecois twist. We alse have the original recipe for Bhalla, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) split yellow lentils 1 cup (200g) split yellow lentils
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 2 hours. Drain the lentils and transfer them to a blender.
2. 2.
   Add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the blender. Blend until you get a smooth batter.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the lentil batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried lentil dumplings (bhallas) and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until smooth. Add salt to taste and mix well.
6. 6.
   To serve, place the fried bhallas in a serving dish and pour the yogurt sauce over them.
7. 7.
   Drizzle maple syrup on top of the bhallas and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the unique flavors of Quebec-style Bhalla.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to soak the lentils for at least 2 hours to soften them before blending.
• Maple syrup — Choose a high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lentil batter.
• Serve the Bhalla chilled for a refreshing summer treat.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
• Make the yogurt sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld together.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency for the yogurt sauce, you can add a little water or milk to adjust the thickness.

Serving advice

Serve the Quebec-style Bhalla as an appetizer or a light lunch. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or pickles.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Bhallas on a platter and drizzle the yogurt sauce and maple syrup over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color.