Piaju

Name: Piaju (Crisp black lentil & onion fritters)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: Makes 15
Cuisine: Bangladeshi
Ingredients: 100 g (3½ oz) chopped baby spinach, to garnish; 300 ml (10½ fl oz) rice bran oil; 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (besan); 2 Indian green chillies, very finely chopped; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander (cilantro); 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander (cilantro); 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 200 g (7 oz/1 cup) dried black lentils (urad dhal); 200 g (7 oz/1 cup) dried black lentils (urad dhal)

Crisp black lentil & onion fritters

Preparation info

Makes
15

Difficulty
Easy
Ready in
25 min

Appears in

Lands of the Curry Leaf

By Peter Kuruvita

Published 2018

About

Popular during Ramadan, these fritters are similar to others enjoyed across the subcontinent, but are made using hulled black lentils. These delicious snacks are very easy to make — the only trick is to keep the lentil paste coarse, rather than smooth.

Ingredients

200 g (7 oz/1 cup) dried black lentils (urad dhal)
3<

Asia
Bangladesh
Snack
Spicy
Ramadan
Vegan
Gluten-free

Method

Wash the lentils well and soak them in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours.

Drain and rinse the lentils, then place in a blender with 125 ml (4 fl oz/½