- August 13, 2025
Masoor Dal Cutlet Recipe – A Healthy, Crispy, and Protein-Rich Snack
Indian snacks are full of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Among them, the masoor dal cutlet recipe stands out as a wholesome, delicious, and protein-rich dish. Popularly known as red lentil cutlet recipe, this snack is loved across India for its crispy outside and soft inside texture. Whether you are looking for a quick evening snack, a healthy lunch box option, or a festive starter, the masoor dal cutlet fits perfectly.
We’ll explore how to make masoor dal cutlet step by step, the ingredients needed, health benefits, and some pro tips. From the traditional method to modern variations like masoor dal cutlet with oats or masoor dal cutlet without potato, you’ll get a complete guide to making this tasty dish at home.
About Masoor Dal Cutlet
The masoor dal cutlet recipe is a healthy snack made with red masoor dal (red lentils), spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables. It is also called masoor dal tikki recipe or masoor dal patties recipe in many Indian households.
Traditionally, it is made by soaking and boiling masoor dal, then combining it with mashed vegetables, spices, and herbs, shaping into patties, and either shallow frying or deep frying until golden and crispy. Nowadays, many health-conscious people also try the masoor dal cutlet shallow fry recipe or even an air-fried version for fewer calories.
The cutlet is a vegetarian masoor dal cutlet recipe that can also be made vegan by avoiding curd-based dips and using plant-based binding agents. For kids’ lunch boxes, the cutlet can be paired with tomato ketchup or green chutney.
Why Try Masoor Dal Cutlet?
✔️ Protein Rich – Masoor dal is a great source of plant protein, making this cutlet a perfect snack for vegetarians.
✔️ Healthy Masoor Dal Cutlet Recipe – By shallow frying or air frying, you can enjoy a low-oil snack.
✔️ Quick & Easy – This is an easy masoor dal cutlet recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes (excluding soaking time).
✔️ Versatile – Can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even as burger patties.
✔️ Festival & Party Snack – Works great as a masoor dal cutlet party snack, Ramadan recipe, or Eid recipe.
Ingredients for Masoor Dal Cutlet
Here’s what you’ll need for the masoor dal cutlet homemade recipe:
Masoor dal (red lentils) – 1 cup (soaked for 2-3 hours)
Potatoes (boiled & mashed) – 2 medium (optional for binding)
Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
Green chilies (finely chopped) – 2
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
Carrot (grated) – ½ cup (optional, for a healthier version)
Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp
Spices:
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala – ½ tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Salt – to taste
Lemon juice – 1 tsp
Bread crumbs or oats – ½ cup (for binding and coating)
Oil – for shallow frying or deep frying
Tip: For a masoor dal cutlet without bread crumbs, you can use oats or besan (gram flour) as a binding agent.
Step by Step Masoor Dal Cutlet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dal
Wash and soak red masoor dal for at least 2-3 hours.
Drain the water and pressure cook with just enough water for 2 whistles.
Make sure the dal is cooked but not mushy. Drain excess water.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked masoor dal, boiled mashed potatoes, onion, chilies, ginger-garlic paste, grated carrot, and coriander leaves.
Add all the spices – cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
Add lemon juice for freshness.
Mix everything well until it forms a dough-like mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Cutlets
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round patties or tikkis.
Coat lightly with bread crumbs or oats for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Fry the Cutlets
For crispy masoor dal cutlet recipe – Heat oil in a pan and deep fry until golden brown.
For healthy masoor dal cutlet low oil recipe – Shallow fry in minimal oil or air fry at 180°C for 12-15 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve the masoor dal cutlet with chutney – mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or with a curd dip.
Variations of Masoor Dal Cutlet
Masoor Dal Cutlet Without Potato – Skip potatoes and add oats or besan for binding.
Masoor Dal Cutlet with Oats – Add rolled oats for extra fiber.
Masoor Dal Cutlet Stuffed Recipe – Stuff with cheese or paneer for a kid-friendly version.
Masoor Dal Cutlet South Indian Style – Add curry leaves and grated coconut for a regional twist.
Baked Masoor Dal Cutlet – Bake instead of frying for a diet-friendly version.
Masala Corn Recipe,Veg Kathi Roll Recipe,Dahi Bhalla Recipe,Raj Kachori Recipe,Moong Dal Pakora Recipe
Tips for Perfect Masoor Dal Cutlet
Make sure the dal is not overcooked, or the cutlets will turn soggy.
Always drain excess water after boiling the dal.
Add bread crumbs or oats to absorb extra moisture.
Fry on medium flame to ensure even cooking.
For Ramadan special masoor dal cutlet, you can shape and freeze patties ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or curd dip.
Use as a patty in veg burgers.
Pair with tea or coffee as a masoor dal cutlet evening snack.
Serve with salad for a healthy masoor dal cutlet recipe for weight loss.
Nutrition Benefits of Masoor Dal Cutlet
High in protein – great for vegetarians.
Rich in iron, folate, and dietary fiber.
Low in fat (especially in shallow-fried or baked versions).
Keeps you full longer, making it perfect for weight management.
Interesting Facts
The masoor dal cutlet recipe is a versatile, healthy, and delicious snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. From crispy masoor dal cutlet for tea time to a healthy masoor dal cutlet with oats, this dish offers endless possibilities. It’s perfect for festivals, parties, lunch boxes, and even as a light dinner option.
So, the next time you crave something tasty yet healthy, try this easy masoor dal cutlet recipe at home and surprise your family with a protein-packed delight.
Masala Corn Recipe,Veg Kathi Roll Recipe,Dahi Bhalla Recipe,Raj Kachori Recipe,Moong Dal Pakora Recipe
Rose Thandai Recipe,Muskmelon Juice Recipe,Chikoo Milkshake Recipe,Pineapple Punch RecipeChocolate Milk Masala Recipe
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Mint Rice Recipe(Pudina Rice),Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Mango Kalakand RecipeRava Kesari Recipe | South Indian Sooji Halwa |Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Follow us on :
