Fari Masa Delight

Ingredients

• For the lentil dumplings: For the lentil dumplings:
• 1 cup (200g) split yellow lentils, soaked overnight 1 cup (200g) split yellow lentils, soaked overnight
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Oil for frying Oil for frying
• For the spiced tomato sauce: For the spiced tomato sauce:
• 2 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish Fresh cilantro for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain the soaked lentils and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth batter-like consistency.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the lentil batter, chopped onion, green chilies, cilantro, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. 3.
   Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the lentil batter into the oil, shaping them into small dumplings. Fry the dumplings until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of the tomatoes disappears.
6. 6.
   Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.
7. 7.
   Pour water into the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Gently add the fried lentil dumplings to the tomato sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the dumplings to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Soaking the lentils overnight helps in achieving a smoother texture for the dumplings. Make sure to drain them well before blending.
• Cumin seeds — Toasting the cumin seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the dish enhances their aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To make the dish more nutritious, you can add finely chopped spinach or grated carrots to the lentil dumpling batter.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato puree before adding it to the pan.
• Leftover Fari Masa can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve Fari Masa hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the lentil dumplings in a shallow serving dish and pour the spiced tomato sauce over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.