Vegetarian●●●Origin DelhiPrep 30 minutes, plus soaking timeCook 45 minutesMakes 10–12
Lentil dumplings stuffed with aromatics and folded into half-moons, deep-fried until pale gold and softened in water. They are served immersed in chilled, spiced yoghurt with sweet chutney.
Cover 200 g urad dal with water and leave to soak overnight, then drain well. Puree in a food processor or blender until a thick, smooth paste forms.
Transfer the pureed dal to a mixing bowl, add 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda and the batter spice, then whisk vigorously until the mixture turns pale, light, and airy.
In a separate bowl, toss together 24 g ginger, 12–18 g green chilli, 2 tsp mint, and 2 tbsp raisins to make the filling.
Pour enough vegetable oil or ghee for deep-frying into a kadhai or heavy-based pot and bring to 180°C (350°F).
Stretch a clean, wet piece of muslin across the rim of a wide glass. With moist hands, shape a small portion of the batter into a round ball and pat it flat onto the cloth. Spoon a little filling onto the middle, then use the fabric to fold the round into a crescent, pressing the perimeter gently to seal completely.
Carefully lower the crescent from the cloth into the hot fat. Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden, then lift out and drain on paper towels.
Place the fried pastries into a bowl of lukewarm, lightly salted water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes.
Toast the toasting cumin in a dry skillet over medium heat for roughly 1 minute until fragrant, then crush finely with a mortar and pestle. In a bowl, whisk 517 g yogurt until completely smooth, then incorporate the crushed cumin, the yoghurt spice, and salt to taste.
Lift each soaked dumpling from the water and gently compress it flat between your hands to expel excess liquid. Lay the dumplings in a shallow dish, coat generously with the seasoned yoghurt, and top with sweet chutney to serve.
Use about 30% of the weight of fresh mint. Rub between your palms to crush before stirring in; the flavour will be more intensely herbal and less bright.