Gujarati Lilva kachori Recipe
π« Gujarati Lilva Kachori Recipe Making
(Green Pigeon Pea Stuffed Crispy Kachori β A Winter Specialty of Gujarat)
Lilva Kachori is a traditional Gujarati snack made from lilva (fresh green pigeon peas) stuffed into a spiced filling and encased in a crisp, flaky outer crust.
Itβs especially popular during the winter months when lilva is fresh and abundant.
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside β these kachoris are an irresistible part of Gujarati farsan!
πΏ Ingredients
For the Dough:
Maida (refined flour) β 2 cups
Rava (semolina) β 1 tbsp
Salt β Β½ tsp
Oil β 2 tbsp (for moyan)
Water β as needed (to knead a soft, pliable dough)
For the Filling:
Fresh lilva (green pigeon peas) β 1 cup (coarsely crushed or mashed)
Green chillies β 2 (finely chopped or crushed)
Ginger paste β 1 tsp
Garlic paste β Β½ tsp (optional)
Coriander leaves β 2 tbsp (chopped)
Lemon juice β 1 tbsp
Sugar β Β½ tsp
Salt β to taste
Cumin seeds β Β½ tsp
Asafoetida (hing) β a pinch
Turmeric powder β ΒΌ tsp
Oil β 1 tbsp (for sautΓ©ing)
For Frying:
Oil β for deep frying
π©βπ³ Preparation
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine maida, semolina, and salt.
Add oil and rub it into the flour with your fingers until crumbly.
Gradually add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough (not sticky).
Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15β20 minutes.
2. Make the Lilva Filling
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds and hing. Let them crackle.
Add green chillies, ginger, and garlic paste. SautΓ© for 30 seconds.
Add the coarsely crushed lilva. Stir and cook on medium heat for 5β6 minutes until moisture reduces.
Add turmeric, salt, sugar, lemon juice, and chopped coriander. Mix well.
Cook for another 2β3 minutes till the mixture is dry.
Let the mixture cool completely.
3. Shape the Kachoris
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
Flatten one ball slightly and make a small cup shape.
Place 1 tsp of lilva filling in the center.
Gather the edges, seal tightly, and flatten gently between your palms.
Make sure the filling doesnβt break through the dough.
4. Fry the Kachoris
Heat oil in a deep pan on medium flame.
To test, drop a small dough piece β it should rise slowly, not immediately.
Fry the kachoris on low to medium heat until golden brown and crisp from all sides.
Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
5. Serve
Serve hot Lilva Kachoris with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a cup of hot masala chai!
π‘ Pro Tips
β
Coarsely grind the lilva β donβt make it into a paste.
β
Always fry on low flame for even cooking and perfect crispness.
β
Add a pinch of sugar and lemon juice for that authentic sweet-tangy Gujarati balance.
β
Can also be baked at 180Β°C for 20β25 minutes for a healthier version.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestion
Serve as a farsan item in a Gujarati thali.
Enjoy as a winter evening snack with tea.
It pairs beautifully with garam masala chai or imli chutney.