Instructions: For Dough: Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; add remaining water and rose water. Sift together flour, salt and cardamom in a bowl. Measure and set aside 1/2 cup of flour mixture. Add yeast liquid to flour in bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms. Work in ghee or oil with reserved flour, kneading until dough is smooth (about 10 minutes). Cover bowl and leave in a warm place to rise, 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. While dough is rising, wash lentils and place in a pan with cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until water is absorbed and lentils are tender, about 1 to 1-1/4 hours. Mash cooked lentils with a fork. In a skillet, saute onions in ghee or oil until lightly browned. Mix in mashed lentils and cook mixture another 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cool. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of dough thinly. Using a biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out 3-inch circles. Place a heaping teaspoon of lentil paste in the center of each circle of dough. Lightly moisten edges with water, fold in half and seal by pressing with the tines of a fork. Deep fry kotahs, 6-8 at a time, about 3 minutes or until golden brown and puffed, turning to cook evenly.

Drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot or warm for a snack or as part of a meal.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.