Dal Pakwan Chaat

This recipe is a little twist to an authentic breakfast delicacy in Sindhi homes. This style of serving makes this dish perfect for a party gathering as a nice munchy snack. I was inspired to do this recipe from when this was served to me in Jaipur while I was visiting my daughter-in-law family.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For Pakwan

• 1 cup all-purpose flour maida, plain flour
• 1/4 cup fine sooji samolina
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds jeera

For Dal

• 3/4 cup chana dal bengal gram
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds jeera
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric haldi
• 1 Tbsp ginger chopped
• 1 green chili chopped
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp mango powder amchoor

For Garnishing

• 1/4 cup tamarind chutney check the recipe on my web site
• 1/2 cup cucumber chopped in small pieces

Instructions

 

Pakwan, Crispy This Puries

• Crisp Puries known as Pakwan: Mix flour, sooji, salt, cumin seeds, and oil. Add enough water to make firm dough. Knead the dough well. Set the dough aside and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or longer.
• Divide the dough in 10 equal parts, Roll the dough into about 5-inch diameter. If the dough is sticking to the rolling pin or rolling surface, put couple of drops of oil on the rolling pin and a couple of drops of oil on the surface.
• Prick the rolled dough all over with a fork. This will limit puries from puffing and make them crisp. Cut them in 6 pieces giving them in triangle shape.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. The frying pan should have at about 1 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put a small piece of dough in the oil. The dough should sizzle and come up slowly.
• Fry few triangles at time not crowding them. Fry until both sides are a light golden-brown. Transfer triangles over paper towel, it will absorb the extra oil.

For Dal

• Wash and soak chana dal for at least 2 hours in 3 cups of water.
• Drain the water, heat the oil in pressure cooker over medium heat, when oil is moderately hot add cumin seeds. As seeds crack add dal, 2 cups of water, salt, turmeric, green chili, and ginger, close the cooker and cook over medium high heat.
• As the pressure cooker starts steaming turn the heat down to medium and cook for about 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait until steam has stopped before opening the pressure cooker.
• Dal should be soft well-cooked but not mushy. Add black pepper, mango powder and garam masala, mix it well. Dal should be thick in consistency.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve pakwan with hot dal with drizzle of tamarind chutney, topping with cucumber. Cucumber gives them nice crunch.

Notes

Notes:  After the triangle chips cool to room temperature they should be crisp. Chips can be stored in airtight container for 1 month.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Dal Pakwan Chaat Recipe

Dal Pakwan, a vegan delight, is a flavorful Indian street food combining crispy fried bread with spiced lentil dip, perfect for appetizers or snacks.In this recipe, we’ll explore the delightful flavors of Dal Pakwan Chaat, a popular Sindhi dish that combines crispy fried pakwan (crackers) with savory lentil curry, topped with tantalizing chutneys and fresh garnishes. This Dal Pakwan Chaat recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a festive occasion, or simply as a satisfying snack. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.

Step 1: Making Mini Dal Pakwan

To start off our dal pakwan chaat recipe, we first prepare the mini pakwan. Mini pakwan is a smaller version of the traditional pakwan, making it easier to enjoy as a chaat. Follow this Mini Dal Pakwan recipe to make crispy and delicious mini pakwan crackers.

Step 2: Preparing the Dal

Now, let’s move on to preparing the flavorful lentil curry, or dal, for our chaat. For this dal pakwan chaat, we’ll be using a simple and delicious recipe for Moong Dal (split yellow lentils). Follow the instructions in the recipe to cook the moong dal to a creamy consistency with aromatic spices.

Step 3: Assembling the Dal Pakwan Chaat

Once you have your mini pakwan and dal ready, it’s time to assemble the dal pakwan chaat. Take a serving plate and arrange the mini pakwan crackers on it. Next, ladle some warm moong dal over the pakwan.

Step 4: Adding Toppings and Garnishes

Now comes the fun part – adding toppings and garnishes to enhance the flavor and texture of our dal pakwan chaat. Drizzle some tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney over the dal. Sprinkle tomatoes, and green chilies for freshness and crunch. Finally, garnish with a generous amount of chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Serving the Dal Pakwan Chaat

Your dal pakwan chaat is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a flavorful appetizer, a light meal, or a festive snack. Serve immediately to ensure the pakwan stays crispy and the dal remains warm and comforting.

Tips for Perfect Dal Pakwan Chaat

• Crispy Pakwan: Make sure to fry the mini pakwan until they are golden brown and crispy to provide the perfect base for the chaat.
• Creamy Dal: Cook the moong dal until it is soft and creamy but not mushy, ensuring a smooth texture for the chaat.
• Balanced Flavors: Adjust the amount of chutneys and spices according to your taste preferences to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Variations of Dal Pakwan Chaat

• Protein Variation: Experiment with different types of lentils such as chana dal (split chickpeas) or masoor dal (red lentils) to create unique variations of dal pakwan chaat.
• Topping Varieties: Get creative with toppings by adding ingredients like grated cheese, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), or pomegranate seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Healthy Twist: For a healthier version, you can bake the pakwan instead of frying them and use less oil in the preparation of the dal.

Benefits of Dal Pakwan Chaat

• Rich in Protein: Moong dal is a good source of plant-based protein, making dal pakwan chaat a nutritious option, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
• Balanced Meal: With a combination of lentils, grains (pakwan), and fresh vegetables, dal pakwan chaat provides a well-balanced meal with essential nutrients.
• Satisfying Snack: Whether enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, dal pakwan chaat is sure to satisfy your cravings with its delicious flavors and crispy textures.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the pakwan in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the mini pakwan crackers in advance and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Just reheat them in the oven before serving to regain their crispiness.

Q: Can I use canned lentils for the dal?

A: While fresh lentils are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned lentils as a shortcut. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before using and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q: Is dal pakwan chaat gluten-free?

A: The dal itself is gluten-free, but the pakwan crackers are made with wheat flour, so if you need a gluten-free option, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend to make the pakwan.

Explore More Recipes

• Appetizers: Check out this recipe for Vegetable Samosa, a popular Indian appetizer filled with a spicy vegetable filling, perfect for serving alongside dal pakwan chaat.
• Beverages: Pair your dal pakwan chaat with a refreshing Mango Lassi – a creamy yogurt-based drink flavored with ripe mangoes, ideal for cooling down after enjoying spicy chaat.
• Desserts: End your meal on a sweet note with this recipe for Gulab Jamun, soft and spongy milk-based dumplings soaked in a fragrant rose syrup, a classic Indian dessert loved by all.

Conclusion

With its combination of crispy pakwan, creamy dal, and flavorful toppings, dal pakwan chaat is a delightful dish that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, this chaat is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of dal pakwan chaat!

Other Recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen

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:

Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Chana Chaat (Spicy Chickpea Salad) Recipe

Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Hash with Buns) Recipe

Raj Kachori (Crunchy Chaat) Recipe

Vegetable Biryani Recipe

These recipes should offer you a flavorful experience straight from Manjula’s Kitchen.