Dal Dhokli

Dal Dhokli is a traditional Gujarati dish and is popular across Gujarat, India. It is commonly prepared in Gujarati households and also served in restaurants specialising in Gujarati cuisine.

Ingredients:

For Dal (Lentil Soup)

• 1 cup tuvar dal (pigeon peas lentils), washed 
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoon oil
• Water, as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 lemon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ghee (optional)
• 4 teaspoon jaggery
• 1/2 cup peanuts / Shengdana

For Dhokli (Wheat Flour Dumplings):

• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds  (Ajwain)
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 6-7 curry leaves

Instructions:

• Add 1 cup tuvar dal and 2 cups water in a pressure cooker. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and close the pressure cooker lid. Cook until dal is soft and properly cooked. It will take about 3-4 whistles.
• Once the pressure releases, open the cooker, and check the consistency of dal. Keep it aside

Prepare dhokli  (Wheat Flour Dumplings):

1. In a mixing bowl add wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, and oil.
2. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth dough. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Roll out each ball into thin roti shape and cut it into diamond or square shapes.

Prepare dal

1. In a big pan/ use the same pressure cooker in which we cooked the dal – Add 3 glass water with the cooked dal
2. Once the water starts to heat add all the spices – Curry leaves, Turmeric powder, Red chilli powder, Coriander powder, Jaggery, chopped tomato, Peanuts and salt to taste 
3. mix everything well and let it boil.
4. after 5-7 minutes start adding the dhokli pieces in it
5. Now mix it well to avoid any lumps and keep stirring it continuously.
6. Taste in between for adjusting the spices as per your preference.
7. it should take about 20- 25 minutes for the dhokli to completely cook. Check if it’s cooked 
8. Once it’s cooked you can add chopped coriander and 1/2 lemon (This step is optional)
9. Dal dhokli is ready to serve. You can eat it alone or with rice.

Health Benefits of eating Dal Dhokli

• High in Protein: Tuvar dal is rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Good Source of Fiber: Lentils are high in dietary fiber, helps in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Nutrient-Rich: Dal Dhokli dish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from lentils, tomatoes and spices, supporting overall health and well-being.
• Balanced Meal: Dal Dhokli is a balanced meal combining lentils, wheat flour and tomatoes providing energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Few Tips:

• Ensure the dhokli pieces are thin and evenly rolled out to ensure uniform cooking.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
• For a richer flavour, drizzle ghee over the dal dhokli before serving.
• Serve hot for the best taste and experience.

Gujarati dal dhokli has its roots in Gujarati cuisine, where it has been prepared for generations as a comforting and wholesome meal. Similar dishes include Rajasthan’s Dal Baati Churma, which also combines lentils with wheat flour dumplings but has its unique flavours and preparation method. In Maharashtra, Varan Phal is a close relative, where lentils are served with soft wheat flour noodles called phal. Each dish has its distinct taste, reflecting the culinary diversity of India.