Dal Dhokli (Gujarati One Dish Meal)
Ingredients
For dal
- 1/2 cup Toor dal (Pigeon peas)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/4 tbsp turmeric (haldi)
- 2 tbsp peanuts
- 1/2 tbsp Red chili powder
- 1/2 cup tomato chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp Jaggery, gur
- 3 cup of water
For Seasoning (Tadka)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 tbsp mustard seeds (rai)
- 1/4 tbsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1/8 tbsp asafetida (hing)
- 2 whole red chilies
For garnishing
- 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
For Dhokli
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (Chapati atta)
- 1 tbsp besan (gram flour)
- 1/4 tbsp Turmeric (haldi)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped green chili
- 1/8 tbsp asafetida (hing)
- 1/8 tbsp Carom seed (Ajwain)
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
For the dhoklis
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, whole wheat flour, besan, turmeric, green chili, asafetida, carom seeds, salt, and oil and mix it well. Add the water as needed to make firm dough, this should take about ¼ cup of water.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and roll out each portion into about 7 inch in diameter. If needed use little whole wheat flour for dusting the rolling surface that will help in rolling.
- Cut each roti into about 1-1/2 inch squares and set aside.
For the dal
- Clean, wash and drain the dal. In pressure cooker add dal, salt, turmeric, and 3 cups of water. Cook over medium high heat.
- When the pressure cooker starts to steam, lower the heat to medium and cook seven minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
- Combine the cooked dal and 1 cup of hot water, whip the dal so it becomes creamy texture, you can use the hand blender to mix dal. Dal will be consistency of thick batter. Add about 3-4 cups of boiling water. Dal should be very liquidey, consistency of runny batter.
- Add peanuts, chili powder, tomatoes, ginger, and jiggery to dal, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the seasoning, heat the oil in a small pan, when oil is moderately hot add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds, asafetida, and red chilies and allow them to crack.
- Add this tempering to the dal, mix well, add dhokli and cook on a low medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cilantro and cook for another 2 minutes on low medium heat.
Notes
How To Make Traditional Gujarati Dal Dhokli Recipe: A Comforting Gujarati Delicacy
Dal Dokli is a traditional Gujarati vegan gluten free dish that combines the richness of dal (lentils) with the heartiness of dhokli (wheat flour dumplings). This Dal Dhokli recipe is a beloved comfort vegan food in Gujarati households, cherished for its wholesome flavors and nourishing qualities. With its perfect blend of spices and textures, Dal Dhokli offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Step 1: Preparing traditional Gujarati dal dhokli recipe
To start, prepare the dough for the dhokli by combining wheat flour, besan (gram flour), turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain (carom seeds), salt, and oil in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead the ingredients into a smooth and pliable dough. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes to ensure it’s well-hydrated and easy to work with.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting Dhokli
Divide the rested dough into small portions and roll them out into thin, flat discs resembling chapatis. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into small diamond or square-shaped pieces, known as dhokli. Ensure that the dhokli are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Step 3: Cooking Dhokli in Dal
In a large pot or pressure cooker, prepare the dal base by cooking soaked tur dal (pigeon peas) with water, turmeric powder, salt, and a pinch of asafoetida until soft and mushy. Once the dal is cooked, add the prepared dhokli to the pot, gently stirring to ensure they’re submerged in the dal. Allow the dhokli to cook in the dal until they’re tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Tempering and Flavoring the Dal Dokli
In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Allow the spices to sizzle and release their aromas. Sauté the aromatics until they’re golden brown and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the tempering.
Step 5: Incorporating the Tempering into the Dal
Once the tempering is ready, pour it over the cooked dal dokli, stirring gently to combine. The tempering adds layers of flavor and aroma to the dal, elevating its taste profile and making it even more delicious. Allow the dal dhokli to simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Before serving, garnish the dal dokli with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of garam masala for added flavor and aroma. Serve the piping hot dal dhokli with a dollop of ghee on top, alongside steamed rice or roti for a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Tips for Perfect Dal Dhokli
Consistency of Dhokli Dough: Ensure that the dough for the dhokli is neither too soft nor too firm. It should be smooth, pliable, and easy to roll out into thin discs.
Even Cooking of Dhokli: Cut the dhokli into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and have a consistent texture throughout.
Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of spices and seasoning in the dal according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the spice level to suit your palate.
Tempering Technique: Take care not to burn the spices while tempering. The tempering should be aromatic and flavorful without any burnt taste.
Variations of Dal Dhokli
Mixed Dal Dhokli: Use a combination of different lentils such as moong dal, masoor dal, and chana dal to add variety and depth of flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Dal Dokli: Enhance the nutritional value of the dish by adding diced vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and peas along with the dal dhokli.
Spicy Dal Dhokli: Increase the heat level of the dish by adding green chilies or red chili powder to the tempering for an extra kick of spice.
Benefits of Dal Dokli
Rich in Protein: The combination of lentils and wheat flour in dal dhokli provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
High in Fiber: The presence of lentils and whole wheat flour in dal dhokli makes it rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
Balanced Meal: Dal dhokli is a complete meal in itself, providing a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought dhokli instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought dhokli as a time-saving alternative. However, homemade dhokli has a fresher flavor and texture.
Can I make dal dhokli ahead of time?
Yes, dal dhokli tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. Reheat it gently before serving.
Is dal dhokli gluten-free?
No, dal dhokli contains wheat flour, so it’s not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Explore more delightful Gujarati recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen, such as Gujarati Kadhi for another culinary adventure.
If you’re looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula’s Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen official website: Vegetable Pakoras, Kaju Katli (Cashew Burfi), Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant), Matar (Green Peas) Paneer, Besan Ladoo.
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