Dal Dhokli
The ultimate Gujarati comfort food - spiced wheat flour dumplings simmered in tangy-sweet toor dal, drizzled with fragrant ghee.
Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Servings
4-6 people
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
For Dal
For Dhokli
For Tempering
Instructions
Cook the Dal
20 minsPressure cook toor dal with turmeric and 3 cups water for 3-4 whistles until soft. Mash well with a whisk. The dal should be medium-thick consistency.
Make the Dough
20 minsMix wheat flour, besan, turmeric, chili powder, ajwain, oil, and salt. Knead with water to form a stiff dough. Rest for 15 minutes.
Roll and Cut Dhokli
15 minsDivide dough into small portions. Roll each into thin circles (like chapati). Cut into diamond or square shapes. You can also use a pasta wheel for decorative edges.
Prepare the Dal
10 minsAdd chopped tomato, jaggery, tamarind paste, and salt to the cooked dal. Bring to a boil. Adjust water if needed - it should be slightly thin as dhokli will absorb liquid.
Cook Dhokli in Dal
15 minsAdd cut dhokli pieces one by one to the boiling dal. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until dhokli is cooked through.
Temper and Serve
5 minsHeat ghee, add mustard and cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Pour over dal dhokli. Garnish with coriander. Serve hot.
Chef's Tips
- Make the dough stiff for dhokli that hold their shape
- Dal should be thin before adding dhokli as they absorb liquid
- Don't stir too much after adding dhokli to prevent breaking
- Balance of sweet (jaggery) and sour (tamarind) is essential
- Add extra ghee for authentic Gujarati flavor
The Story Behind Dal Dhokli
Dal Dhokli is a complete one-pot meal that combines protein-rich lentils with carbohydrate-dense wheat dumplings. It's the epitome of Gujarati home cooking - nutritious, satisfying, and prepared with love.
Also known as "Chakoliya" in some regions, this dish showcases the Gujarati love for sweet-sour flavor combinations. The generous drizzle of ghee at the end is non-negotiable - it transforms good dal dhokli into an unforgettable one.