Dal Dhokli Recipe: A Delightful One-Pot Gujarati Comfort Food

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Ingredients

For Dal (Lentil Soup)

Tool Dal (pigeon peas)- 1 cup
Water- 3 cups
Tomato- 1 medium, chopped
Green chilli- 1, finely chopped
Jaggery (or sugar)- 1 tbsp
Tamarind pulp- 1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder- ½ tsp
Red Chilli Powder- 1 tsp
Coriander Powder- 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Mustard Seeds- 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds- 1 tsp
Ghee or Oil- 1 tbsp
Curry Leaves- 5 to 6
Dried Red Chilli- 2
Hing (Asafoetida)- ½ tsp
Chopped Coriander Leaves- 2 tbsp (for garnish)

For Dhokli (Wheat Dumplings)

Whole Wheat Flour- 1 cup
Turmeric Powder- ½ tsp
Red Chilli Powder- ½ tsp
Carom Seeds (Ajwain)- ½ tsp
Salt- ½ tsp
Oil- 1 tsp
Water- as required for kneading the dough

How to Make Dal Dhokli: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Dal

First, rinse the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt for 3-4 whistles (or until completely soft and mushy).
Use a ladle or whisk to mash the cooked dal.
Add chopped tomatoes, green chillies, jaggery, tamarind pulp, red chilli powder, and coriander powder and mix properly.
To adjust consistency, you can add more water if needed. Let it simmer on low heat while making the dhokli.

Step 2: Making the Dhokli Dough

Take a mixing bowl, mix whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, carom seeds, salt, and oil.
Add water gradually and knead into a soft yet firm dough.
Cover it and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rolling and Cutting the Dhokli

Divide the dough into equal portions.
Roll out each portion into a thin, chapati-like disc.
Now, cut the rolled dough into small diamond or square shapes.

Step 4: Cooking Dhokli in Dal

Lower the heat on your stove and bring the simmering dal to a gentle boil.
Drop the dhokli pieces one by one into the dal. Keep stirring at frequent intervals to prevent sticking.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until the dhokli is soft and cooked properly.

Step 5: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)

In the pan , heat ghee. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chillies, curry leaves, and hing.
Pour the tadka over the cooked dal dhokli and mix well.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Cooking Tips and Alternative Cooking Methods

Instant Pot Method: Cook dal on high pressure for 10 minutes. Add dhokli and cook on sauté mode until done.
Slow Cooker Method: Let the dal simmer on a low flame for 4 hours. Add dhokli and cook for another 30 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure you don’t over-knead the dough. Keep it firm but pliable.
Keep stirring the dal frequently after adding dhokli to avoid sticking.
Make sure you adjust the sweetness and tanginess according to your preferences.

Customization Options

Skip garlic and onion for a Jain version.
To make the dish spicier, add extra green chillies or a pinch of garam masala.
For a healthier version, use multigrain flour instead of whole wheat flour.

Nutritional Benefits of Dal Dhokli

High in Protein: Due to lentils, you can enjoy plant-based protein.
Rich in Fiber: The whole wheat dhokli helps digestion.
Balanced Meal: Dal dhokli is rich in carbs, proteins, and fats, making it a complete meal.
Immunity Boosting: Turmeric and cumin have anti-inflammatory properties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover dal dhokli can be stored in a refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To prevent thickening, add a little water while reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezing is not recommended as dhokli tends to become soggy.

Wrapping Up,

Dal dhokli is an experience of rich flavors and cultural heritage. It checks all the boxes when you are looking for a comforting, lazy Sunday afternoon dish or a nutritious vegetarian meal. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes this dish win hearts.

Try this easy dal dhokli recipe at home and relish with your loved ones!