Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden lentil dumplings with a crispy exterior, paired with a tangy tamarind chutney for a delightful contrast. This Asian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs Yellow lentils, Onion, Cumin powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mash 1 cup cooked yellow lentils until smooth. Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until combined, then shape into 12 small balls.
  2. Step 2: Coat each ball in 1/4 cup flour until evenly covered. Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry dumplings in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: For the chutney, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp jaggery, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until jaggery dissolves and the mixture thickens. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Drain fried dumplings on paper towels. Serve warm with tamarind chutney drizzled over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yellow lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Fried Lentil Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney?

Indian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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