Boror Tenga/Red Lentil Fritters in Tangy Curry Gravy

Boror Tenga or Tenga Bora a traditional Assamese lentil fritter in tangy gravy. Boror or bora literally translate fritter and tenga means tangy or sour. This is very similar to Bengali counter part Borar Tok. However Boror tenga is made red lentil and Bengali version uses yellow split peas. The souring agent can be used either thekara also known in English dried garcinia, tomato or lime/lemon juice. This dish is a popular summer dish to serve with plain rice.

Ingredients~

For the fritters:

1/2 cup red lentils,washed and soak for an hour

1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1/8 tsp turmeric
2 fresh chilies, finely sliced

For the curry:

Half cup boiled potato,slightly smashed

1/2 cup green peas

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1 tsp lemon juice(as needed)

1 tbsp ginger paste
1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/8 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp salt or to taste

A pinch of sugar(optional)

1/8 tsp Bengali whole five spice
1 bay leaf

1 dry red chili

1/2 cup oil

Cilantro for garnishing

Method~

Drain lentils and blend to a medium thick batter using water as needed. Do not make it  too runny, or else fritters will be disintegrate when fried. Add rest of the ingredients and mix well. Heat oil in a kadai/wok or a pan on high heat. Using hand or a small ice cream scoop drop batter carefully into hot oil. Reduce heat to medium and fry both sides till golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.

In the same oil, temper bay leaf and dry chili, turn the heat low, add in onions and saute until onion is soft. Add in ginger paste and saute for a minute. Add in tomato and saute for about 5 minutes until tomatoes are soft, then add in smashed potato, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt and sugar. Keep stirring to mix well. Pour hot water into pan and bring to a boil. Gently drop fritters in the gravy and let it boil for another 5 minutes on medium heat. Squeeze lemon juice if  needed. Adjust gravy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from heat. Garnish fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed rice or any Indian flat bread.  

Happy Cooking!