Introduction:
Dal Dhokli Recipe
Dal Dhokli Recipe: Gujarati Dal Dhokli, a traditional dish from Gujarati cuisine, is a delightful combination of lentils and wheat flour. Featuring soft, textured dhokli immersed in a semi-thick lentil gravy with a mild sweet and spicy flavor from aromatic spices and crunchy peanuts, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also fulfilling and healthy. Dal Dhokli stands out as a complete meal on its own, making it a versatile and delicious option.
Ingredients:
Dal Dhokli Recipe
- 1/2 cup Toovar Dal (split pigeon peas)
- 3 tablespoons Peanuts
- 1/2 cup Wheat Flour + extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon Carom Seeds (ajwain) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Chickpea Flour (gram flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- A pinch of Asafoetida
- 1 Dry Red Chilli, broken into two pieces
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 3 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2-2½ teaspoons Sugar
- 3 teaspoons Oil
- 1½ cups + 3 cups Water
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped Coriander Leaves, for garnishing
Directions:
Dal Dhokli Recipe
- Step 1: Rinse toovar dal and pressure-cook it with peanuts and salt for 3 whistles. Set aside after natural pressure release.
- Step 2: While dal is cooking, prepare dhokli dough by combining wheat flour, chickpea flour, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, oil, and salt. Knead into a slightly stiff and smooth dough. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the bowl of peanuts from the cooked dal.
- Step 4: Blend the dal into a smooth puree and add 2 cups of water.
- Step 5: In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, dry red chilli, curry leaves, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder. Mix well.
- Step 6: Add the pureed dal, water, boiled peanuts, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 7: Divide the dough into four portions, roll them into thin circles, and cut into diamond-shaped pieces known as “Dhokli.”
- Step 8: Add the Dhokli pieces in batches to the boiling dal and cook until they no longer taste raw, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot or warm.
Tips and Variations:
Dal Dhokli Recipe
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice according to taste.
- Serve the dal hot as it tends to thicken upon cooling.
- Avoid adding too many dhokli pieces at once to prevent sticking.
Taste: Mildly spicy with a soft texture.
Serving Ideas: Serve Gujarati Dal Dhokli with curd for lunch or dinner. Alternatively, pair it with steamed rice, papad, and buttermilk. It serves as an ideal comfort food for those with toothaches or recovering from illness, combining the goodness of both roti and dal in one dish.
Conclusion:
In summary, Gujarati Dal Dhokli Recipe is a comforting dish that can be customized to preference. Adjust spicing, include peanuts as desired, and feel free to make the dough in advance for easy prep. Served hot garnished with cilantro, it makes for a delicious and wholesome Gujarati meal.
Common Questions About
Gujarati Dal Dhokli Recipe
Q: How spicy should I make the dal?
A: The amount of red chili powder can be adjusted to suit your taste. Add more or less to make it milder or spicier.
Q: Do I need carom seeds for the dhokli?
A: Carom seeds provide a distinctive flavor, but they are optional. You can omit them if needed without affecting the dhokli texture.
Q: Can I make it without peanuts?
A: Yes, you can omit the peanuts if you have an allergy or preference. The dish will still have lots of flavor without them.
Q: Why let the dal dhokli cool before serving?
A: Cooling helps thicken the dal. You can reheat and add water to adjust consistency before serving if needed.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead?
A: Yes, you can make the dhokli dough in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
