Dal Dhokli Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Dal Dhokli is a traditional and comforting one-pot meal from the heart of Indian cuisine. This dish combines the goodness of lentils and wheat flour dumplings, creating a hearty and flavorful experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the warmth of homemade Dal Dhokli to your table.

Ingredients:

For Dal (Lentil Soup):

1. 1 cup split pigeon peas (toor dal)
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 1 tomato, chopped
4. 1/2 cup peanuts
5. 1/2 cup chopped spinach
6. 2 tablespoons oil
7. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
8. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
9. 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
10. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
11. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
12. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
13. Salt to taste
14. 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional)
15. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Dhokli (Wheat Dumplings):

1. 1 cup whole wheat flour
2. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
4. Salt to taste
5. Water for kneading
6. 1 tablespoon ghee

Instructions:

1. Preparing Dal:

• Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with chopped onions, tomatoes, peanuts, and spinach.
• In a separate pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida.
• Once the seeds splutter, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté briefly.
• Pour this tempering into the cooked dal and mix well.
• Add salt and jaggery (if using). Simmer the dal for a few minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency.

2. Making Dhokli:

• In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
• Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, firm dough.
• Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into thin, flat discs (like chapatis).
• Cut these discs into diamond or square shapes.

3. Adding Dhokli to Dal:

• Once the dal is simmering, gently add the prepared dhokli pieces one by one.
• Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and cook until the dhokli is soft and cooked through.

4. Garnishing:

• Finish the Dal Dhokli with a tempering of mustard seeds and cumin seeds in ghee for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

5. Serving:

• Serve hot Dal Dhokli in bowls, squeezing a bit of lemon juice for added freshness.

Tips:

• Adjust the consistency of dal by adding water if it's too thick.
• You can customize the spice level according to your preference.
• Experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots or peas for variation.

Dal Dhokli is not just a meal; it's a hug on a plate. This comforting dish brings together the wholesomeness of lentils and the heartiness of wheat dumplings, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade Dal Dhokli, a classic that never fails to delight the taste buds.