Dal Dhokli

 

Dal Dhokli - A Unique Gujarati Recipe

Dal Dhokli is a comforting, one-pot dish from Gujarat made with spiced lentil stew (dal) and wheat flour dumplings (dhokli). It's a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, offering a wholesome and nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

For Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 dried red chili
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1 pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons jaggery (or sugar)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• Salt to taste
• 5-6 cups water

For Dhokli (Wheat Dumplings):

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Water, as needed, to knead the dough

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Finely chopped onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Dal:

1. Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook with 2-3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt for 4-5 whistles or until soft.
2. Mash the cooked dal using a ladle or blender to make it smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dhokli Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, carom seeds, salt, and oil.
2. Gradually add water to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.

3. Temper and Flavor the Dal:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, dried red chili, slit green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add the mashed dal, red chili powder, garam masala, jaggery, tamarind pulp, and salt.
5. Add 2-3 cups of water (adjust consistency as needed) and let it simmer.

4. Prepare and Cook Dhokli:

1. Roll the dhokli dough into a thin sheet (like chapati) on a floured surface.
2. Cut it into diamond or square shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
3. Drop these pieces directly into the simmering dal, ensuring they don’t stick to each other.
4. Stir gently and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dhokli pieces are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Final Touches:

1. Adjust the seasoning and consistency of the dal. It should be slightly thick but pourable.
2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

6. Serve: Serve hot Dal Dhokli with a drizzle of ghee, a squeeze of lemon, and optional onion on the side. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for any day!

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Tips:

• Consistency: The dal should be thin initially, as it thickens after adding dhokli.
• Flavor Balance: Adjust jaggery and tamarind according to your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
• Add-ons: You can include peanuts or vegetables like bottle gourd for variation.

Enjoy this soulful Gujarati delicacy!