Daal Dhokli

Daal Dhokli is a traditional Indian dish consisting of spiced wheat flour dumplings cooked in a flavorful lentil-based curry. The dumplings are rolled out, cut into pieces, and simmered in a seasoned lentil stew until they are soft and infused with the aromatic flavors of the curry. This comforting one-pot meal is often garnished with fresh coriander and enjoyed as a hearty and wholesome dish, popular in various regions of India.

Here’s a detailed recipe to make Daal Dhokli:

Ingredients:

For the Dhokli Dough:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed to knead the dough)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for kneading)

For the Daal (Lentil Curry):

• 1 cup tuvar dal (pigeon pea lentils), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, slit lengthwise
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Few curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Making the Dhokli Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead it into a firm dough. Add a tablespoon of oil and knead again until smooth. Let it rest while you prepare the dal.

Preparing the Daal (Lentil Curry):

1. Pressure cook the soaked tuvar dal with turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, green chili, and salt. Cook until the dal is soft and mushy.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
3. Add the cooked dal mixture to the pan and bring it to a boil. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.
4. Once the dal starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer.

Making the Dhokli and Assembling:

1. Roll out the rested dough thinly into a circle on a floured surface.
2. Cut the rolled dough into diamond or square-shaped pieces.
3. Gently drop these pieces into the simmering dal one by one, making sure they don’t stick together. Stir gently.
4. Let the dhokli cook in the dal for about 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once the dhokli is cooked, garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving:

Serve hot Daal Dhokli in bowls, garnished with additional coriander leaves if desired.

Tips:

• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• Ensure the dhokli pieces are rolled out thinly for even cooking.
• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra tanginess.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Daal Dhokli as a wholesome meal!