Nepali Bara

Ingredients

Black lentils (urad dal)

1 cup, soaked overnight

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons, plus more for frying

Salt

1 teaspoon, or to taste

Coriander leaves

1/2 cup, finely chopped

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Green chili

1-2, finely chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Ginger

1 inch piece, grated

Instructions

1. Rinse the soaked lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2. In a blender or food processor, grind the lentils to a smooth batter. Add a little water, if necessary, to achieve a pourable consistency.
3. Transfer the lentil batter to a mixing bowl. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green chili, cumin seeds, finely chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, ladle a portion of the lentil batter onto the pan, spreading it out to form a small pancake around 3-4 inches in diameter.
5. Fry the bara until it turns golden brown on both sides, flipping once to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
6. Serve the bara hot, preferably with a side of tomato chutney or yogurt. Enjoy this authentic Nepali snack that brings the streets of Kathmandu right to your kitchen.