Sasmita 
Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters, popularly known as Panasa Buta Dali Bara in Odisha, are a crispy and flavourful traditional snack prepared with tender raw jackfruit, soaked chana dal, onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these fritters make an excellent evening snack and are a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal raw jackfruit.
Raw jackfruit is often called the “Vegetable Meat” because of its fibrous texture. In Odia households, it is widely used to prepare curries, fries, and festive dishes. This simple fritter recipe combines the earthy taste of raw jackfruit with protein-rich chana dal to create a wholesome snack that is both satisfying and delicious.
Why you’ll love these raw jackfruit chana dal fritters ?
- Crispy outside with a soft, flavorful center.
- Uses seasonal raw jackfruit, not ripe jackfruit.
- High in plant-based protein from chana dal.
- Perfect for evening snacks, tea-time, or festive occasions.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Traditional Odia recipe with authentic flavors.
What is panasa buta dali bara?
Panasa Buta Dali Bara is a traditional snack from Odisha made with raw jackfruit ( कच्चा कटहल / ପଣସ ) and soaked chana dal. The ingredients are coarsely ground instead of making a smooth paste, giving the fritters their signature rustic texture and satisfying bite.
This recipe is especially popular during the raw jackfruit season when fresh panasa is abundantly available in local markets.
Ingredients –
The beauty of these Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters lies in their simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a deliciously crispy snack. Chana dal, soaked for 4 to 5 hours, forms the base of the fritters and gives them a hearty texture along with a good amount of plant-based protein. Cooked raw jackfruit cubes add a soft, meaty bite and absorb the flavors of the spices beautifully without any sweetness, making them ideal for this savory recipe.
To bring warmth and aroma, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and green chilies are coarsely ground with the soaked dal, creating a flavorful mixture with just the right amount of heat. Thinly sliced onions add a natural sweetness and turn slightly crisp when fried, while fresh curry leaves lend their signature earthy fragrance that makes these fritters even more irresistible. A little salt enhances all the flavors, and finally, oil is used for deep frying until the fritters turn perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful inside.
How to make raw jackfruit chana dal fritters –
Step 1: Prepare the dal mixture
Drain the soaked chana dal well. Grind it coarsely along with ginger, garlic, and green chilies using a mortar and pestle or a mixer grinder. Avoid adding water while grinding to maintain the right consistency.
Step 2: Mash the raw jackfruit
Lightly mash the cooked raw jackfruit cubes using your fingers. Keep a few small chunks for texture instead of making a smooth mash.
Step 3: Mix everything together
Transfer the ground dal mixture to a bowl. Add the mashed raw jackfruit, sliced onions, chopped curry leaves, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Deep fry
Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Take about 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture and gently shape it with your fingers into rustic rounds. Carefully slide them into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Fry until crispy
Fry on medium heat, turning occasionally, until both sides become deep golden brown and crisp. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for perfect panasa buta dali bara –
- Use raw jackfruit only. Ripe jackfruit will make the mixture sweet and unsuitable for this recipe.
- Grind the chana dal coarsely for a crisp and rustic texture.
- Do not add water while grinding.
- Slice the onions thinly so they blend evenly into the mixture.
- Fry on medium heat to cook the fritters evenly from inside.
- Fresh curry leaves add wonderful aroma and authentic flavour.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- If the mixture feels loose, add a tablespoon of rice flour.
Serving suggestions –
These crispy fritters taste wonderful with:
- Hot ginger tea
- Green chutney
- Tomato ketchup
- Coconut chutney
- Fresh onion slices and lemon wedges
They also make a delicious appetizer during family gatherings or festive celebrations.
Storage tips –
The fritters are best enjoyed immediately after frying.
If you have leftover batter, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one day. Stir well before frying.
Avoid freezing the prepared batter, as the onions release moisture over time.
Nutrition (approximate per serving) –
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: Varies according to salt used
💬Frequently Asked Questions –
✦ Can I use raw jackfruit?
This recipe works best with cooked jackfruit. If using raw jackfruit, boil or pressure cook it until tender before preparing the mixture.
✦ Can I air fry these fritters?
Yes. Brush them lightly with oil and air fry at 180°C (356°F) until golden, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different from deep-fried fritters.
✦ Can I skip garlic?
Yes. You can omit garlic for a no-onion, no-garlic variation while keeping the remaining ingredients the same.
✦ Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes. Prepare the mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Mix once before frying.
✦ Can I use ripe jackfruit?
No. This recipe is specifically made with tender raw jackfruit. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and has a completely different texture and flavour, making it unsuitable for this savoury fritter recipe.
Final thoughts –
Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters, or Panasa Buta Dali Bara, beautifully showcase how simple seasonal ingredients can create something incredibly satisfying. With the earthy flavour of raw jackfruit, the bite of coarsely ground chana dal, and the aroma of fresh curry leaves, every fritter is packed with authentic Odia flavours. Whether served with a steaming cup of tea on a rainy evening or prepared for a festive gathering, this traditional snack is sure to become a family favourite.
Watch the ‘Recipe Video’ –
Sometimes a recipe is easier to understand when you can see every step. If you’d like to watch how these crispy Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters (Panasa Buta Dali Bara) come together, check out the recipe reel on my Instagram.
🎥 Watch the reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp2rAC0AOb8/
If you enjoy traditional Odia recipes, seasonal vegetarian dishes, and easy home-cooked meals, you’ll also find many more recipes on my Instagram page:
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📖 RECIPE CARD
Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters (Panasa Buta Dali Bara)
Equipment
- Mixer grinder or mortar and pestle
- Mixing bowl
- Deep frying pan (kadai)
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen paper towels
Ingredients
- ½ cup chana dal soaked for 4-5 hours
- 1 cup cooked raw jackfruit cubes
- 3-4 green chilies
- 8-10 garlic cloves
- 1- inch ginger chopped
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2-3 sprigs curry leaves chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Grind the soaked chana dal, ginger, garlic, and green chilies into a coarse mixture without adding water.
- Lightly mash the cooked raw jackfruit cubes.
- Combine the dal mixture, mashed jackfruit, onions, curry leaves, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Take small portions of the mixture and gently shape them into rustic fritters.
- Carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve hot with tea, green chutney, or tomato ketchup.
Notes
- Always use raw (unripe) jackfruit, not ripe jackfruit.
- Grind the chana dal coarsely for the best texture.
- Avoid adding water while grinding.
- Fry over medium heat so the fritters cook evenly from the inside.
📌PIN this ‘Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters (Panasa Buta Dali Bara)’ recipe for later ▼
Love this crispy Raw Jackfruit Chana Dal Fritters (Panasa Buta Dali Bara) recipe? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a delicious Odia tea-time snack. Whether you’re looking for traditional jackfruit recipes, monsoon snacks, or protein-rich vegetarian fritters, this recipe is worth keeping on your board.
📍 Pin it now and enjoy authentic Odia flavors anytime!
