Manik Painjan
Vegetarian Manik Painjan Recipe from India with Chana Dal and Gram Flour
Introduction
Manik Painjan is a popular Indian snack made with a combination of wheat flour and besan (gram flour), flavored with spices and chana dal. It is a delicious and crispy snack that is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer.
History
Manik Painjan has its origins in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where it is a popular street food snack. The name "Manik Painjan" translates to "jeweled anklets" in English, which refers to the golden color and crunchy texture of the snack.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp chana dal, soaked in water for 2 hours
- 1.5 cups wheat flour (aata), sieved
- 0.5 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 0.5 cup coriander leaves
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- oil for frying
- salt to taste
How to prepare
- Mix both flours, all powdered spices, ginger-garlic paste, onion, coriander leaves, and salt.
- Knead the mixture into a stiff dough, adding water as needed and a little oil.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized balls.
- Lightly oil your palms and flatten each ball into a 10 cm disc, while spreading a little chana dal on each side. Press gently so that the dal sticks to both sides of the discs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry each disc until golden.
- Once all the discs are ready, serve them hot with tomato sauce or any chutney.
Variations
- Add chopped green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Use different spices like cumin or coriander powder for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
- Fry the discs in hot oil to ensure that they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the Manik Painjan hot for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Manik Painjan hot with tomato sauce or any chutney of your choice.
Cooking Techniques
Knead the dough well to ensure a smooth texture.
- Fry the discs in hot oil for a crispy finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chickpea flour instead of besan.
- Substitute the chana dal with moong dal for a different texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Manik Painjan in advance and fry the discs just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Manik Painjan on a platter garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Manik Painjan pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Manik Painjan in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Manik Painjan contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Manik Painjan contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Manik Painjan contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Manik Painjan contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Manik Painjan is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
Manik Painjan contains gluten from wheat flour and besan. It may also contain traces of nuts.
Summary
Manik Painjan is a tasty snack that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a good option for a balanced diet.
Summary
Manik Painjan is a delicious and crispy Indian snack that is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer. With a combination of wheat flour, besan, and spices, it is a flavorful treat that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Manik Painjan. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Bangladesh. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook and had a vast collection of recipes, taught me how to make this traditional dish one sunny afternoon.
I remember the intoxicating aromas that filled the kitchen as she guided me through the process. The rich spices, the savory meat, the fragrant rice – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. From that moment on, I was hooked.
My grandmother learned how to make Manik Painjan from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. It was a dish that was reserved for special occasions, a dish that brought people together and warmed their hearts.
The first step in making Manik Painjan is to marinate the meat in a blend of spices and yogurt. My grandmother showed me how to mix together ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder until it formed a fragrant paste. She then rubbed this mixture all over the meat and let it sit for several hours to soak up all the flavors.
While the meat marinated, my grandmother prepared the rice. She washed it thoroughly to remove any excess starch, then boiled it until it was fluffy and tender. She added a pinch of saffron for color and fragrance, giving the rice a golden hue that shimmered in the sunlight.
Once the meat was marinated and the rice was cooked, it was time to assemble the dish. My grandmother showed me how to layer the rice and meat in a large pot, creating a beautiful mosaic of colors and textures. She added a handful of raisins and almonds for sweetness and crunch, then covered the pot and let it simmer on the stove until the flavors melded together into a harmonious whole.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the Manik Painjan was finally ready. My grandmother lifted the lid of the pot, releasing a cloud of steam that carried the tantalizing scents of spices and meat. She scooped out generous portions onto our plates, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.
As we sat down to eat, I marveled at the beauty of the dish before me. The rice glistened like pearls, the meat was tender and succulent, and the aroma was so intoxicating that it made my mouth water. I took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that burst in my mouth – the tangy yogurt, the earthy spices, the sweet raisins, the nutty almonds. It was a sensory experience like no other.
From that day on, Manik Painjan became a staple in our household. Whenever there was a celebration or a gathering of friends and family, my grandmother would whip up a pot of this delectable dish and watch as it disappeared within minutes, devoured by hungry guests who couldn't get enough.
Over the years, I have made Manik Painjan countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added extra garlic for a stronger flavor, swapped out the almonds for cashews for a creamier texture, and experimented with different types of meat to see what works best.
But no matter how many times I make it, the joy and satisfaction I feel when I take that first bite never diminishes. It reminds me of my grandmother, of her love for cooking and sharing her recipes with others. And it fills me with a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary heritage that she passed down to me, a heritage that I will continue to cherish and nurture for years to come.
Categories
| Channa Dal Recipes | Chickpea Flour Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Garam Masala Recipes | Indian Recipes | Marathi Vegetarian | Onion Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |