Comforting and Hearty Dal Dhokli Recipe: A Gujarati One-Pot Meal

Dal Dhokli is a soul-warming Gujarati dish that combines spiced lentil dal with soft, spiced wheat flour dumplings (dhokli) in a single pot. This wholesome, one-pot meal is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a comforting favorite for any time of day. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a taste of Gujarat, this detailed Dal Dhokli recipe will guide you to create this delicious dish at home. Let’s simmer some comfort!

Prep Time

• 15 minutes
  (Includes preparing dough and chopping)

Cook Time

• 35 minutes
  (Cooking dal and dhokli)

Total Time

• 50 minutes
  (A hearty meal in under an hour!)

Detailed Nutrition Facts (For the Entire Recipe)

This recipe serves approximately 4-5 people (about 5-6 cups). Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed below:

• Calories: 1200 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 35g
  
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 180g
  
• Dietary Fiber: 25g
• Sugars: 15g (from jaggery and tomatoes)
• Sodium: 2000mg (varies based on salt content)
• Cholesterol: 0mg (completely cholesterol-free!)
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  
• Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value (DV) (from tomatoes)
• Vitamin C: 30% of DV (from tomatoes and chilies)
• Iron: 40% of DV
• Calcium: 15% of DV

Note: Values may vary based on portion size, oil usage, and specific ingredient brands.

Ingredients

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) – rinsed
• 4 cups water – for cooking dal
• 1 medium tomato – finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste – or finely grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon green chili paste – or 1-2 finely chopped green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – for color
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder – adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon jaggery – grated (or sugar, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – for tanginess
• 2 tablespoons peanuts – optional, for texture

For the Dhokli:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) – optional, for flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil – for binding
• Water – as needed to form a firm dough (about 1/3 cup)

For the Tempering (Tadka):

• 2 tablespoons ghee – or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
• 8-10 curry leaves – fresh or dried
• 2-3 dried red chilies – optional, for heat
• 1-inch cinnamon stick – optional, for warmth
• 2-3 cloves – optional, for aroma

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped

Equipment Needed:

• Pressure cooker or pot
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin and board
• Small pan for tempering

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1. Rinse 1 cup toor dal thoroughly and place it in a pressure cooker with 4 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 2 tablespoons peanuts (if using).
2. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat until the dal is soft and mushy. (Alternatively, cook in a pot for 30-40 minutes.)
3. Once cooked, mash the dal slightly with a spoon or whisk. Add chopped tomato, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon green chili paste, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 tablespoon jaggery, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dhokli Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Gradually add water (start with 1/4 cup) and knead into a firm, smooth dough, similar to chapati dough but slightly stiffer.
3. Divide the dough into 2-3 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface.
4. Cut the rolled dough into diamond or square shapes (about 1-2 inches wide) using a knife or pizza cutter. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Dal Dhokli

1. Bring the prepared dal to a simmer over medium heat. Add 1-2 cups water if it’s too thick – it should be soupy.
2. Drop the dhokli pieces into the simmering dal one by one, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dhokli pieces are soft and cooked through. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and mix.

Step 4: Prepare the Tempering

1. Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/4 teaspoon hing, 8-10 curry leaves, 2-3 dried red chilies, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 2-3 cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Pour the hot tempering over the cooked dal dhokli and stir gently to blend the flavors.
2. Garnish with 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve hot in bowls, with a drizzle of ghee on top, alongside papad or pickle for a complete Gujarati meal!

Benefits of Dal Dhokli

Dal Dhokli is a comforting dish packed with nutrition! Here’s why it’s a wholesome choice:

1. Protein-Rich: Toor dal provides plant-based protein for muscle health.
2. Fiber Boost: Lentils and whole wheat flour aid digestion and fullness.
3. Vitamin C: Tomatoes and lemon juice support immunity.
4. Balanced Carbs: Wheat and dal offer sustained energy without spikes.
5. Antioxidant Properties: Spices like turmeric and cumin fight inflammation.
6. One-Pot Wonder: A nutritious, fuss-free meal in a single dish!