Bara (Nepali Lentil Pancakes)
Bara, also known as Newari Bara or Wo, are traditional Nepali lentil pancakes (patties, or fritters) that are often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 100 g split yellow mung lentils mung dal
- 100 g split black gram urad dal
- 1- inch piece of ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 green chilies optional
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- For the vegan/vegetarian version, use only lentils. Wash and soak the lentils (urad dal and/or mung dal) for about 6 hours or overnight in separate bowls. Next day, rinse the soaked lentils thoroughly.
- Grind the lentils in a food processor adding a small amount of water as needed until you have a smooth paste. You can grind the garlic, ginger, and green chilies together with the lentils or add them after finely chopping them into the ground lentils. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cumin, turmeric, salt, and chopped coriander if used into the batter and mix well. For non-vegetarian bara, mix the minced meat and/or beaten egg into the ground mixture.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a griddle or non-stick pan over medium. Pour a spoonful of batter into the pan and gently spread out the batter to make a circle with the back of the spoon.
- Cook until the pancake is fully cooked and both sides are golden brown flipping once or more as needed. Make sure to adjust the heat as needed not to burn them. Repeat with other pancakes, without overcrowding the pan so that you can turn over them more easily.
- Use paper towels to remove any excess oil if required.
- Bara is ready to serve now. They are best when served hot. Serve them just plain or with spicy pickles, sauce, or condiments of your choice.
Notes
For the vegan/vegetarian version, use only lentils. Use minced meat and/or beaten eggs for non-vegetarian Bara. Add finely chopped green cilantro or herb of your choice if desired.