Golpi - Spiced Bangladeshi Lentil Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils, soaked 1 cup (200g) red lentils, soaked
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for deep frying Vegetable oil for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain the soaked lentils and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, green chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt to the blender.
3. 3.
   Blend the mixture until you get a smooth batter. If needed, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the lentil batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters.
6. 6.
   Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Golpi hot with your favorite chutneys or dips.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Ensure that the lentils are soaked for at least 2 hours to soften them before blending.
• Garlic and ginger — Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Grate the ginger finely to avoid any fibrous texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour to the lentil batter.
• Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder.
• Serve Golpi immediately after frying to enjoy them at their best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a variety of flavors.
• Leftover Golpi can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve Golpi as a snack or appetizer with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or mint yogurt dip. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Golpi fritters on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala, and serve with colorful chutneys in small bowls for an appealing presentation.