If you are craving something crunchy and savory with your evening tea, you can prepare delicious rice and lentil sticks using leftover rice and lentils. This snack turns out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, cooks very quickly from simple home ingredients, and is served with green paste or sauce.
Making such snacks can be beneficial since children often refuse vegetables and legumes. The presented recipe for lentil and rice sticks allows you to create a dish that is as tasty as commercial alternatives, and it is loved by both children and adults during an evening tea break. The main advantage is that it is easy to make from accessible products, and it is suitable for both a children's lunch and a small snack.
To begin, thoroughly wash the rice and lentils, and then soak them in water for about four to five hours. After this, all excess water must be completely drained.
The soaked rice and lentils should be ground in a blender together with green pepper and ginger. It is important not to grind them too finely, but rather slightly coarsely. After grinding, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When the mass thickens and takes on a dough-like consistency, turn off the heat.
Let the mixture cool down a bit. Then add mashed boiled potatoes, fresh cilantro, cumin, red pepper powder, chaat masala, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Mix all components thoroughly to obtain a soft yet firm paste. Lightly oil your hands and shape the mass into long sticks.
The finished sticks must be rolled in breadcrumbs to ensure an even crispy coating on all sides. Heat oil in a saucepan and fry the sticks over medium heat until golden and crispy. Avoid frying over high heat, otherwise, they may brown quickly on the outside but not cook through inside. Once the sticks are golden and crispy, place them on a paper towel and serve hot.
These warm rice and lentil sticks can be served with green paste, tomato sauce, or sweet ginger sauce. They pair very well with evening tea, and the dish can be prepared at home whenever convenient to treat guests.
