Garlic Lilva Kachori has an unsurpassed taste. This Lilva Kachori has the addition of garlic and a soft pastry for a new exciting kachori recipe.
LILVA KACHORI RECIPE WITH GARLIC
I first tried these Vegan Kachoris when I was very young in the English city of Leceister. Being from London, Leicester was too far to travel so my Mum would occasionally make these at home.
11 years later, I gave the recipe a go for myself!
Indian Food in Leicester
Leceister, UK is a city where you can find traditional Indian fast-food in abundance. In particular, you can find Gujarati sweet marts.
My aunty used to live in Leceister and when we visited she would order food from the various Indian restaurants and cafes near the area.
Melton Road and Belgrave Road are particularly famous for long stretches of Indian restaurants and fast-food joints! It also has stores for Indian kitchen utensils and grocery. Basically, a food lover's dream!
But fashionistas - do not despair. This road also has plenty of Indian fashion stores. It is like your one-stop-shop!
Garlic Kachori from Ajay's, Leicester
There used to be a fast-food takeaway called Ajay's on Narborough Road close to where my Aunty used to live.
When we once visited around 20 years ago, she bought us all these Garlic Lilva Kachori and various other fried goodies! She told us that these Garlic Kachori are unique to this shop in Leceister.
Whenever we would go to Leicester, we would visit this shop and a guaranteed order would be these Garlic kachoris! This includes one time we were travelling down from Scarborough back to London and we just had to stop on the way home!!!
What is Kachori
Kachori is deep-fried pastries that are filled with various spicy fillings (something similar to samosa) and often served at afternoon tea but it can be served as a canape at any get-together or as part of an Indian style feast.
In Gujarat, these deep-fried Kachoris are served in a Gujarati Thali as farsan (savoury item).
Depending on the part of India that you visit, you will find different styles of kachori.
In Rajasthan, you'll find pyaz (onion) kachori, moong daal Khasta Kachori and mawa kachori which is similar to Mawa Gujiya that are stuffed with milk solids and nuts.
In North India, Raj kachori and Khasta Kachoris are hugely popular and often served as a chaat.
Usually in North India and Rajasthan Kachoris are served with Rasadar Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji
In Gujarat, during winter Tuver Lilva Kachori quite popular, throughout the year yellow moong daal and Sukha mewa kachoris are hugely in demand.
Whilst in other parts of the India Matar (green peas) kachori, hing kachori and daal kachori. Also in many parts of the Indian these kachoris are made flat like Poori.
Why this Garlic Lilva Kachori is different
This kachori recipe is different from other lilva kachori recipes for a few reasons.
Firstly, this recipe has garlic cloves in the filling. The garlic gives a wonderful flavour to the kachoris which you can't find in plain lilva kachoris. The filling is, therefore, spicy, garlicky and ever-so-slightly sweet.
Secondly, the pastry for this kachori is different than all other types. The pastry for these kachoris is thinner and softer making this recipe of kachori unique. The pastry has a similar resemblance to samosa pastry.
The pastry is neither crispy, nor hard or flaky.
Frozen Lilva Kachori
Frozen lilva kachori is easily available in the Indian groceries and British supermarkets but the uniqueness of the flavour of these means that you can't find them anywhere else.
How to make perfect pastry for Garlic Kachori
The pastry for this kachori is unique. It is soft and not hard like other kachoris.
This makes the kachori easy to eat and it doesn't crumble everywhere when you eat it.
To make the pastry, you will need the following ingredients:
Generally, kachori's outer layer or pastry made using plain flour and sometimes has semolina added to it but here we are using
- Plain flour aka maida
- Wholewheat flour or chapatti flour
- Oil and salt
1. In a wide big plate add all the flours, oil and salt.
2. Knead the dough using tap water and cover it with the damp kitchen towel for half an hour.
3. Divide the dough into equal (apricot) size portions and make balls.
How to make the Garlic Tuver Lilva kachori masala/filling
For the filling, you will need:
Green Peas - aka Matar or Vatana. I have used frozen but you can use fresh ones.
Tuver Lilva - I have used frozen, one can use fresh if available. Tuver is used in our Surti Undhiyu.
Oil - try not to use very strong flavoured oil such as extra virgin olive oil or mustard oil.
Spices - red chilli powder, ground cumin and coriander powder, garam masala and amchoor powder.
Seeds - mustard, sesame and fennel seeds.
Asafoetida akan hing or yellow powder.
Garlic, ginger and green chillies - crushed or paste.
Sugar - regular granulated sugar works best, it's a must ingredient in Gujarati Kachoris!
Coconut - desiccated coconut works best.
Seasoning.
You may wonder if using frozen peas and lilva alters the flavour. I can assure you that it doesn't. Using fresh or frozen gives the same wonderful taste :)
1. Take frozen green peas and lilva, defrost then blend or grind using a grinder. Keep it coarse.
2. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and hing.
3. Once it splutters add coarsely ground lilva mixture.
4. Cook the mixture for at least 5-6 minutes.
5. Then add all the masala, ginger, chilli, garlic, sugar, salt, coconut and crushed fennel and sesame seeds.
6. Cook further for 5-6 minutes, keep stirring all the time then leave it cool completely.
How to assemble/shape Kachori
How to fry kachori and Tips for the best Kachori
The heat of the oil for this kachori should be on a low temperature - we want the oil to be just hot. This will keep the pastry soft and won't burn.
Make sure the stuffing is well dry and doesn't contain moisture.
11. Heat oil in a kadai or wok.
12. Add 3-4 kachoris at a time.
13. Fry them on low to medium heat, so they cook evenly and doesn't burn.
14. Once golden all over, remove and serve hot.
Can I bake Kachori
You can bake Kachori, however, you won't get an authentic taste. Kachoris are best enjoyed deep-fried.
However, that isn't to say that you cannot bake them. To bake these kachoris, brush with oil and place in a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 4 for 20/25 minutes. Keep an eye on the kachoris so that the top doesn't burn.
Remember, the filling inside is already cooked, so they will not need too long.
Keeping the pastry in the oven for too long will make it go hard.
Air-Fried Kachori
If you or anyone you know is following a low oil diet, you can also suitably air-fry these kachoris.
Method for Air-frying Lilva Kachoris:
Make the kachoris using this recipe and method.
Brush it with the oil and air fry them in a preheated air fryer at 350F or 180C and air fry for 10-12 minutes or golden.
What to serve with Kachori
The flavour of these kachoris is so phenomenal that it doesn't really need to be served with anything in particular.
If you wish to have chutney on the side, then Gujarati Date and Tamarind Chutney aka Imli Chutney is your best bet.
In the unlikely occasion you have leftover Kachori, why not transform them into Kachori Chaat, much like our Leftover Khaman Dhokla Chaat
In India, Kachori is often served with Masala Chai or Karak Chai.
My personal choice would be cold drinks such as Mango and Lime Lassi - just so heavenly!
How to customise this Tuver Lilva Kachori
You can adapt this recipe to suit your tastebuds or depending on what is available.
You can use either of the peas, either the kachori can be made completely with peas or entirely with lilva.
Ground masala or spices powders are the backbones of this recipe, they lend sensational flavours so not to be missed any, you may decrease or increase the quantity to suit your needs. Add less spice to make it easy to eat for the whole family.
You can leave out the sugar if you do not want a sweet and hot flavour.
You can use only wheat flour for the pastry.
Can you reheat Kachori
Kachori can be reheated in a number of ways.
You can reheat in the oven for 5/10 mins but that may make the casing hard.
You can reheat the kachori for 20/30 seconds in the microwave also.
Can you freeze Kachori
You can freeze kachori at two different steps in the method.
You can prepare the kachori and assemble. However, do not deep-fry but freeze to deep-fry at a later date. The oil for this reason, will have a little more heat than suggested above.
You can also freeze once you have fried the kachori. Allow to completely cool before freezing. To reheat, simply bake for 10/15 minutes on Gas Mark 4/5.
Leftover Stuffing or dough - preventing food waste
Use this lilva stuffing, (if left any) to stuff vegetables such as potato and small aubergine or eggplants.
By chance, if you have leftover dough, make Gujarati Sadi Bhakhri.
If you like this recipe, you may also like:
Packed Potato Bhajiya aka Atom Bomb Bhajiya
Did you like this recipe?

GARLIC LILVA KACHORI
Ingredients
Instructions
- Defrost pigeon peas and green peas.
- Grind coarsely in a grinder.
- In a heavy bottom pan heat oil and add mustard seeds and asafoetida.
- After splutter add peas and cook for 6-7 minutes on very low heat.
- Add all the masala, ginger, garlic and chilli paste, sugar and seasonings.
- Keep stirring the mixture to prevent sticking it to the bottom of the pan.
- Let it cook further about 5-6 minutes.
- Switch off the heat and allow it to cool before using it.
- In a big wide bowl add both flours, oil and salt then rub the mixture with your fingertips.
- Knead a semi-stiff dough using tap water.
- Cover the dough with a clean damp kitchen towel.
- Leave it aside for half an hour.
- Divide the dough into small portions (apricot size) and roll into a small circle, around 10cm/4inch. Put a spoonful of the filling into the centre, then fold the dough over the filling to form a ball and seal the edges with a peak at the top. You can grease your palms a little and roll the ball between them to form an even ball if that's easier. Repeat for all the kachoris. Now heat oil in a wok and deep fry 3-4 kachoris at a time over low-to-medium heat till they are golden brown in colour. Serve hot.
Calories
249.95Fat (grams)
12.95Sat. Fat (grams)
2.14Carbs (grams)
26.80Fiber (grams)
3.81Net carbs
22.99Sugar (grams)
3.05Protein (grams)
7.11Sodium (milligrams)
282.12Cholesterol (grams)
8.49PIN IT FOR LATER
Note - this recipe was posted on our blog on 14th of April 2010, since I have updated the post with new content and pictures.
Hi! First, have a good break...we will not forget you! The kachoris look like something that my kids would absolutely love to have ready for an after school snack. Teens come home so hungry! I think I can try this one! What exactly is chappiti flour? I'll probably need to sibstitute for that. Peace, Stephanie
ReplyDeleteYUm Yum... Wonderul. Garlic and peas nice combo.
ReplyDeleteDear Jagruti
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I am very irregular these days , missing out many dishes. will catch up soon
This is so wonderful Kachori...I love Kachori...but this one has special flavour I can smell that ..will try certainly
Happy cooking
Kachori looks awesome.Great clicks...
ReplyDeleteSounds delicilous kachories..nice color too
ReplyDeleteWow these katchoris look delicious and would go perfect with my masala tea.I think we should meet up you bring the katchoris and I shall provide the tea.lolz!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome and perfect kachori,Looks crispy and delicious........
ReplyDeleteLolz, so u guys watched out the movie with ur garlic kachoris..haha thats so funny, btw i do need some kachoris rite now..can u send me some..:)
ReplyDeleteLooks fabulous, dear.It indeed looks like a perfect party snack. And hey, New moon doesn't have any scary vampire scenes. Go ahead and watch it.
ReplyDeleteThe kochori looks so tempting..and the chatnies too....thanks for sharing the dish...
ReplyDeletelooks so delicious, Jagruti! your garlic kachoris are making me crave kachoris so much.. yummy.
ReplyDeletetempting and delicious kachoris.Keep some for me I am coming over.
ReplyDeletehey these look superb..love the filling..looks so tasty and I am sure it doesn't last for long (since its too tasty, it will get over within minutes.)
ReplyDeleteenjoy your break..will wait for more great dishes when you will be back..
Tempting kachori...looks so gud..am big fan of these but dont make them :(....interesting reading the fact abt kachori ..enjoy your break dear
ReplyDeletePerfect Kachoris....Loved the detailed intro on Kachoris...I never tried them...Should give a try soon...Have a wonderful vacation !!
ReplyDeleteNice combo and looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried this before. They look so good, I'm making some for my next party.
ReplyDeletetempting kachoris! Mine have never come out very well.. am inspired to try again.. enjoy your break! No one is going to forget you.. Looking forward to more new recipes after your break..Cheers
ReplyDeleteYummy Kachodi's Jagruti!! Have a Good Break!!!
ReplyDeleteSuperb, mouth watering kachoris. Click looks very good. Enjoyed the intro :):)Would miss u during the break, do not extend beyond the two weeks :):)
ReplyDeleteNice looking kachoris!
ReplyDeleteCute and delicious kachori...
ReplyDeleteOhhh Jagruti, i love lilva kachori.... and i miss it here, back home we make that using green tuver but i havent seen tuver here so now i make them with green peas.
ReplyDeleteI so so love them.... drooling over these pictures... hehe
Tempting kachori..perfect snack for pot-luck party.....have a nice break...we will not forget you...waiting for your new recipes....
ReplyDeletethis is a yummy way to get rid of vampires..lol enjoy ur break!!
ReplyDeleteLOoks perfect!!
ReplyDeleteKachoris looks perfect and crispy...garlic kachoris sounds very tempting....looks very delicious :)
ReplyDeleteThese looks great!
ReplyDeletejagruti enjoy your break!!the kachoris look yum:)
ReplyDeleteHey...looks super yummy. Please adopt me.. I will get to eat the quick savory evryday...
ReplyDeletei can imagine the flavors of this kachori...and i am really drooling over this...
ReplyDeleteYummy Kachoris Jagruti.
ReplyDeleteSuper kachori Jagruti..i m hungry now :(
ReplyDeletelooks delecious dear. Me too, stayed away from visiting blogs becoz of office work...Have a wonderful break.
ReplyDeleteHey Jagruti,
ReplyDeletemane ek plate kachori parcel karis ??? Kachori mast lage chhe!!!
yumm yumm kachori looks yummy , always wanted to make them.
ReplyDeleteloved ur vampire story :-D yummy looking kachoris!
ReplyDeleteheyy jagruti ;)
ReplyDeletewow, you made them at home
my friend once took me to try these at the shop and they tasted great
i would love to make these at home and then show my friend :)
haha keep the vampires away-- great movie if i say so myself
have a great break and look forward to when you return
enjoy
lovexx
Olá, amiga!
ReplyDeleteVoltei para ver as novidades...
Hummmmmmm! Receita deliciosa!
Um ótimo fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
Itabira - Brasil
love the garlic kachoris...they look perfect...have a good break...i was wondering ki jagruti ka koi naya post nahin dekha!!
ReplyDeleteGood one :)
ReplyDeleteyour kachoris look absolutely mouth watering. Absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteThese delightful kachoris look so good! They must be really tasty too.
ReplyDeleteI'm craving for some kachoris now at the oddest time (now it is 12:00am here)!
ReplyDeleteVery yummy kachoris.Missed your latest recipes.Have good time during your break and be in good health.
ReplyDeletethats a nice tea time snack..
ReplyDeletehha love the vampire line! These look great!
ReplyDeleteI love these balls. What a colour. They look delicious!
ReplyDeleteKachori looks yummy...I have tried it only in restaurants..your write up about keeping vampires away was great !!!!
ReplyDeleteGarlic kachori looks crispy, yummy and tempting. Wonderful presentation.
ReplyDeleteHey Jagruti!
ReplyDeleteYummy!
Some quick fix dishes for bachelors????
Ha ha ha
Hello,, I love this looks so wonderful and mouth watering:-) i just want to finish every thing...
ReplyDeletewow..awesome n perfect kachori/..,new to me..looks yummy n crispy...bookmarked...will try out soon....
ReplyDeleteJagruti,
ReplyDeleteKachori looks really good
These are definitely a perfect snack! LOoks mouthwatering.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteShared some awards with you do collect it from by blog.
jagruthi
ReplyDeletehow r u doing..
the kachori looks so delicious .once we bought the frozen one from indian store.we liked the taste never treid it at home..the garlic version looks so yummy..nice pic too
thanks for sharing
OMG i love kachoris..and now after seeing those yummy pics..i want to have it now:)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning !!This is one thing that most of the north Indian's have daily !! Even i have 1 or so on regular basis !! Fantastic stuff !!Great show !
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton! Its an honor to recieive the token of love. You made my day. I will never forget this.
Sorry I could not attend the event, as you know I am in Pune.Soon I will join you all.
All the best for next event.
Delicious kachoris jags,can u send some? Apt for the evenings with a cup of tea.Enjoy your break dear.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a new post tha tis why i cmae when i saw in fb, but i am glad you shared in FB as this looks so so yummy. For a while we are not having fied food but after that i am sure gonna try this. Looks so so yummy. I just have to look what frozen pigeon peas is.
ReplyDeletewow !!! yummy and tempting !! wondering whats Pigeon pea? can we bake them instead of frying? maybe add little oil to the flour.
ReplyDelete@Aarthy...pigeon peas are very similar to normal green Peas...easily available in Indian stores...yes you can bake them but if you trying first time fry them :)
ReplyDeleteWow these kachoris look so crispy and delicious. I love how you have share so many different kachori recipes on your blog. I will try each one of them.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting recipe with beautiful pictures. Winters are on the peak and I would love to have them with a cup of hot tea.
ReplyDeleteThese garlic lilva Kachoris look superb, love the garlicky filling. It looks so good and I am sure when served, it doesn't last for long. We too make lilva Kachori sans the garlic.
ReplyDeleteThis recipe sounds perfect to try next time.
I am in love with these kachoris. I have often been tempted to buy the frozen ones from the Indian stores, but now that I saw your recipe, I might as well make it myself. I will also use the frozen lilva that we get in the Indian grocery here.
ReplyDeleteSuper duper, now I've got this strong yearning for lilva kachori. Awesome idea to add fresh garlic, am sure it makes the kachori very delicious. And you've taken me down memory lane, every time we would go to visit my sister in Loughborough, a trip to Melton Road is a must just to enjoy all that delicious food.
ReplyDeleteI love all type of kachoris with sweet and green chutney! Your recipe look amazing with all the garlic and lilva stuffed in.
ReplyDeleteNever had a chance to taste lilva kachoris though I make matar kachoris very often during winter months. Your post is tempting me to give this recipe a try. Love your presentations!
ReplyDeleteI never have cooked with lilva, I see it in the frozen asile and then move on. These incredible images give me confidence to try these at the earliest. They look incredible.
ReplyDelete